I need some clarification in the Jewish tradition in baby naming. I am due in nine weeks and this is causing major issues with my parents. I would like to name our baby girl after my grandmother Florence and, therefore, would like to use the "F" as the first letter of her name. We like the name Fayth as the middle name, but my parents told me that Fayth would have to be the first name because if we wanted it as the middle name, then we would have to use Florence. They have caused my husband and I to argue about this subject because we had the name picked out- Mahayla Fayth and they want it as Fayth Mahayla. Thank you, S.

(response from Rabbi David Sperling)

Dear S., First of all, Mazal Tov on your upcoming birth- may you be blessed with a healthy and happy baby and a good birth. In answer to your question, I want to refer you to the answers I provided for other questions on baby naming.

May I add that in the question of honoring your parents, one is not obligated to name the baby according to their wishes (though it is certainly a mitzvah to do so). Also, as far as I know, there is no source to say that in naming after someone there is a difference between using the first letter of their name in the first or second name. It is certainly not a merit to the departed to have people coming to strife and arguments "in their memory"!

I hope you and your husband can come to a choice that will please you both.

Blessings, Rabbi David Sperling

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