It’s pretty common when someone converts to a religion to take a name that lines up with the new religion’s traditions. Even though Hinduism doesn’t always support the notion of “convert” you can still see a number of non-Indian Hindus who traded names from other traditions for Hindu names. Ram Dass, for example.
You know me as Ambaa, but I am not called that in real life.
I’ve said before that I don’t want to disrespect my parents by rejecting the name they gave me.
On the other hand, I am going through life with a “Christian” name, which doesn’t seem entirely appropriate as a Hindu. It seems like going by a Hindu name would be a way of showing pride in my religion.
Sometimes a guru will give you a name. I’m not sure if it’s right to select your own name!
What do you think? Should converts adopt a name appropriate to their new religion? Where should they get their name from?