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I don’t really understand people's problem with this name. It’s very pretty, and at the end of the day, it’s just a combination of letters to make a word. I don’t think it’s as deep as people want to make it. It’s no different to Paris, Virginia, or even America. It’s a very beautiful name.
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WAY, WAY better than America. But still, a big fat NO. I generally don't mind place names like Charlotte or Virginia because those places aren’t too well known, but names of capital cities like Paris are more well known and is already bad enough. Now, if Paris is bad enough, what about this? A continent name? Seriously?!
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In my opinion, the only thing here that's "unprofessional" or "uneducated" are these shameless opinions on such a beautiful name. First of all, I think the main reason parents would give this name to their child is because it sounds pretty. As simple as that. Is it superficial? Not at all, since it's what most people do when choosing a name. You don't have to live in Asia to like how the name sounds, so I don't understand why Asian people would think that their opinion matters more than others'. You do not own the continent, nor the continent's name. Also, the real superficial thing here is people only thinking about the continent, when the name Asia can have more meanings. For example, let's consider the name's origin. It has Greek origin: the word derives from the Greek Ἀσία, meaning “resurrection”, but it also probably comes from the Semitic root "Asu", which means “light” or “rising,” a reference to the Sun, which rises in the East. The land of the East, where the Sun resurrects itself each day. Beautiful, isn't it? Also, Asia is part of the Greek mythology (which, personally, I really love): Asia was a Nereid, a nymph of the sea. She belonged to the Oceanid family, a specific tribe of nymphs that were daughters of Oceanus and Tethys. Contrary to the freshwater nymphs, Oceanids were more powerful; they governed the ocean, which was referred to in ancient times as the “all-circling river”, as Ancient Greeks had thought that Afro-Eurasia was an island, surrounded by ocean (in their mind, there was no Americas or Australia). Asia is one of the 41 Oceanids described by the classical poet Hesiod. Being a daughter of two major deities, Asia possessed the power to shape and direct the world’s oceans, along with her three-thousand sisters. So, then, why would it be a "cheap" and "uneducated" name? It's a really common name in Italy and most people that I know really like it. ☆.
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I was named Asia when I was born and although I don’t like how feminine it is for me, it is still a beautiful name nonetheless. Growing up in California, Ive met a lot of black girls named Asia and the continent isn't necessarily at the forefront of my mind when it’s introduced as someone’s name. I’ve also looked up its meaning multiple times and I found out it meant sunrises, new beginnings, resurrection. So it has significance other than sound or being a place. And so what if it sounds like a stripper name?! Stripper names are actually cute and sexy! And some of you are just a bunch of self righteous people who want to be included in the orientalism conversation with nothing actually meaningful to say. So please save it.
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Strongly dislike the name. Historically a lot of names are based on a person's place of origin but there's a reason those are generally towns, areas, or cities, because those places can have personal significance. A non-asian person shouldn't be named after a place they've never lived and people whose identities and experiences across the biggest continent on earth they could never represent, and if an Asian person wanted a name that reflects their region or maybe country, they would just choose a name in their native language that references it rather than using the English word "Korea". If you desperately want to name your child after a place, a location in the place you actually live will likely be much more meaningful!
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So pretty.
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Asia (sometimes translated as Asya) is actually also a Russian short form for Anastasia and a traditional Polish nickname for Joanna. Asya (the Turkish word for Asia) is used in Turkey (of which a part is in Europe).
So saying that non-Asian people or white people can't use it is actually culturally insensitive.
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So saying that non-Asian people or white people can't use it is actually culturally insensitive.
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Azure is a better spelling if you prefer your daughter not having a continent name.
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Pretty, but I don't really like place names.
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Pretty name. I like it!
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To be honest, a white girl with the name Asia would be pretty awkward.
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I don’t think Asia for a girl is a BAD name. It’s just different. A lot of people name their kids after cities, or lands, or even just because they actually like it. (Ex: Sydney, London, Paris, India, Austin, Brooklyn, Charlotte, Phoenix, Zealand, Aspen, Adelaide, Florence, Savannah.) The list goes on. It really just depends what you put it with.
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Nice name.
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I find this name really strange, especially as someone who is Asian. I think a lot of people use it just because of the sound, which seems sort of superficial. Even if they did have the place in mind... it's a continent. I can understand using a city or country name out of appreciativeness or because of a personal connection, but an entire, vast continent? I do think the Italian pronunciation sounds quite nice, but I still dislike the name.
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I can't understand why this name is getting so much hate. Asia is awesome! :)
Many people are saying, "It is disrespectful to use the name Asia because it's a place name." Does that mean according to your logic; we can't use names such as Camden, Carmel, Carolina, Chad, China, Chyna, India, Adelaide, Alberta, Africa, Sydney, Brittany, Charlotte, Alexandria, Paris, Brooklyn, Petra, Nevada, Georgia, and Virginia because they're place names?
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Many people are saying, "It is disrespectful to use the name Asia because it's a place name." Does that mean according to your logic; we can't use names such as Camden, Carmel, Carolina, Chad, China, Chyna, India, Adelaide, Alberta, Africa, Sydney, Brittany, Charlotte, Alexandria, Paris, Brooklyn, Petra, Nevada, Georgia, and Virginia because they're place names?
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I found this thread because I specifically searched up “why do people name their children Asia.” and it’s nice to have learned the other historical and religious significance of the name that I wasn't aware of.
However, regarding reasons someone names a child this that aren't because of these...
I am Asian, I find it weird if someone is naming their child with the continent in mind or even just mindlessly choosing it because it sounds “pretty” if they are not of the descent of ethnicities from Asia or not of the religious/cultural background where this name actually serves significance.
Often people of Asian descent are the one of the most fetishized out here, not even sexually but culturally since there’s even a lot of people who will lie and say they’re half Asian or try to emulate features through being uncomfortably overly obsessed with the culture and Asian people, or through cosmetics or surgery to look Asian, which is all same kind of weirdness if it’s anybody doing the same thing with any other culture/race (appreciation is lovely, but obsession is worrisome)
So even if it’s just because it “sounds pretty”.. it just seems kind of ignorant to do so because of the actual meanings and history behind the word in different contexts of continent, religions, etc.
It’s a beautiful sounding name but that doesn't mean you can just ignore the defining existing information that follows it as if it doesn't exist or mean anything.
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However, regarding reasons someone names a child this that aren't because of these...
I am Asian, I find it weird if someone is naming their child with the continent in mind or even just mindlessly choosing it because it sounds “pretty” if they are not of the descent of ethnicities from Asia or not of the religious/cultural background where this name actually serves significance.
Often people of Asian descent are the one of the most fetishized out here, not even sexually but culturally since there’s even a lot of people who will lie and say they’re half Asian or try to emulate features through being uncomfortably overly obsessed with the culture and Asian people, or through cosmetics or surgery to look Asian, which is all same kind of weirdness if it’s anybody doing the same thing with any other culture/race (appreciation is lovely, but obsession is worrisome)
So even if it’s just because it “sounds pretty”.. it just seems kind of ignorant to do so because of the actual meanings and history behind the word in different contexts of continent, religions, etc.
It’s a beautiful sounding name but that doesn't mean you can just ignore the defining existing information that follows it as if it doesn't exist or mean anything.
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This is a no-no!
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Please don´t name your child after a land mass.
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My name is Asia and I love it. People use to say, "Asia why did your mother name you Asia? What, are you Asian?" no I’m black and when I tell people my name and they say it wrong I say my name is Asia like the continent and they say oh I like how you use that. Let me tell you, I can get any job I want to with my name, I can go many places with my name being Asia. Don’t hate on us cause we good people and love our names.
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I think this name is rather pretty. My college roommate freshman year was named Asia, but she pronounced it the Italian way (Ah-zee-ya). I like the pronunciation "Ay-zha" better, but that's just me. I really like it. Pretty and feminine.
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Well I have a male schoolmate called Asia. So that means it can be masculine also.
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Asia Monet Ray is a dancer, singer and actress. She is known for “Dance Moms”, “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition”, “Raising Asia” and “Grey’s anatomy”.
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God bless all the Asia's out there and if you're cutting down someone for their name, shame on you!
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My name is Asia. I have got be the oldest person with that name, I'm almost sure of it. I was born in the late 60s. Growing up I hated my name. Because the teachers would say Asia major, Asia minor. I was only 6, I had no clue what they were talking about. So I had to grow into it, like the name Hazel, or Ethel, you have to grow into it. It's a beautiful name, and it's a powerful name. My Dad calls me Asia Princess Warrior. There isn't anything tacky about it. I was born Muslim so that's why it was given to me. The only time I get flack on my name is from a white person. They never heard of it, it's a country, etc. When people don't understand something, they don't like it. It shows a level of interpersonal skills and diversity, and exposure to different cultures, and people. ALL ASIA'S ROCK!
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My name is Asia and I think that it's offensive reading the comments of people saying that my name is trashy and that it's the name of stripper...
I'm Italian and here it's not that common as someone is saying but it's not unusual...
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I'm Italian and here it's not that common as someone is saying but it's not unusual...
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I really like the sound of it, I'm a fan of the 'Zha'.
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This name is so gross and tacky. Sounds like a name a teen mom would use.
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In muslim countries Asia is a very common name. Girls are named this name because according to Islamic History Pharaos' wife who saved and adopted prophet Moses was called Asia/Asiya/Asiyah/Aasia/Aasiyah etc. However, in the Biblical tradition she is described as Pharao's daughter and called Bithiya. So many of the girls that are called Asia are not named after a continent. But most probably some are named after the continent as well and I don't understand what the problem is with doing that. The name Eden/Aden is also very common, which is a garden in Paradise. It is quite common to name children after places, mountains, gardens etc...
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Hehe, my name is Asia and I'm Asian. I like my name but it feels sorta silly that I'm an Asian that's named Asia. Oh well, at least it's easier to remember my name.
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Asia Kate Dillon is an actor from Ithaca, New York, known for playing Brandy Epps in Orange Is the New Black and Taylor Mason in Billions. Dillon identifies as non-binary and uses singular they pronouns. Their role on Billions is the first gender non-binary character on television.
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Asia Argento is an Italian actress, singer, model, and director. Argento is best known for portraying her role as Yelena in the action film xXx, the first installment in the xXx franchise.
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Asia Nitollano is an American singer, dancer, model and cheerleader. After winning the television series Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll, Nitollano became a member of the Pussycat Dolls, only to leave a few months later to pursue a solo career.
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Asia Agcaoíli is a former Filipino actress, model, columnist for FHM Philippines and TV and radio host.
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Asia Kim is an American glamour model. She is of partial Korean descent.
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I would never name my child after a continent, it's just too tacky.
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Umm, my real name is Asia and really- it sounds like a stripper name? No it doesn't. I get compliments about my name all the time saying how beautiful it is. STOP HATING.
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My mom was going to name me Asia originally. I would prefer that over my name, India.
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I almost fully agree with Francesca on this one. Place names just can't work in my opinion. However, this is one of the ones I'm absolutely neutral on. It depends on the reasoning for the name. If they feel a strong attachment to the continent, sure, why not. If they love the sound and look of the name, sure, why not.
This name isn't approved at all where I'm at (but Aiza is), so I don't have to worry about it.
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This name isn't approved at all where I'm at (but Aiza is), so I don't have to worry about it.
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Well, my name is Asia and I don't think my name is uneducated or trashy. A name is a name no matter what it is, and I don't think you would like it very much if someone made fun of your name. I have always been insecure about my name but now I'm elated to love it. I'm glad my name is unique and not a common name like Sara or Susie or Nicole, no offense to anyone with those names. I'm just saying not a lot of people have the name Asia and I feel very special, and I am very PROUD OF MY NAME. And just so you know, I have a perfect 4.0 gpa in high school so I am very educated, thank you very much.
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My name is Asia and I agree with asiaminter98 and sebb9899 I am only 11 years old and I don't care what people say about my name. It is a beautiful name and it is unique, and I shall accept that.
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Asia Frigga Booth Clarke was a sister of John Wilkes Booth. She was reportedly given the name Asia because that was where Eden is said to be located.
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In Sweden it's not really a problem that it's also a continent, because the continent is called Asien (A-see-en). So Asia, pronounced A-see-ah, is just a really pretty name with a dramatic flair to it. I really don't think it sounds trashy at all, quite the opposite! It is super rare here, though.
I do think people could be a little nicer to each other. How would you feel if someone said your name was trashy, ridiculous or ugly?
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I do think people could be a little nicer to each other. How would you feel if someone said your name was trashy, ridiculous or ugly?
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My name is Asia and when I was growing up people made fun of my name and seeing people talk bad about it makes me feel bad about myself. My friends tell me all the time that there is nothing wrong with the name and I should be proud to have a name like this. There is nothing wrong with the name Asia at all, sure it is a continent, but it is still a name, and nothing can change that.
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As noted, Asia is typically pronounced "Ahzia", and has origins that date back to Ancient Greek and Aramaic. It is sort of ironic that others choose to call it rude, or the choice of an uneducated person when they are clearly uneducated about its origins and making assumptions about anyone who bears it.
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If anyone bothers to actually explain HOW place names are tacky, I'll listen, but until then they're beautiful to me, and Asia is no exception.
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For goodness sakes, do not name your child after a continent!
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I think this name's usage in Italy was probably inspired by actress Asia Argento.
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I think place names on people are horrible and this one is no exception!
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Places names, as a general rule, are cheap, tacky, and more often than not: trashy. "Asia" is no exception... especially in English-speaking countries. Not only is it incredibly unprofessional and juvenile, it is pretentious, pompous, unintelligent, uneducated, attempted ornate, and need I say it..? Ugly.
Misspelling it brings out the "kre8tiv" cheap factor full throttle.
As far as it being a modern Italian name... where have you heard that? It must be used as of yesterday. At the moment I do not believe it... but I can comfortably give you the correct pronunciation if it truly is in use (found in my next post, below).
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Misspelling it brings out the "kre8tiv" cheap factor full throttle.
As far as it being a modern Italian name... where have you heard that? It must be used as of yesterday. At the moment I do not believe it... but I can comfortably give you the correct pronunciation if it truly is in use (found in my next post, below).
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If it is in true use-- I give you the Italian pronunciation:
Ah-Zee-Ah
"A" is said as the "A" in "Father." An "S" found between two vowels creates "Z." Stress the "I" to "EE." And end with "A" as in "Father," once again.
A note: The final three letters ("-sia") will be sandwiched a bit more when spoken... Perhaps taking the "I" sound to a short "EE," nearly "Zyah."
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Ah-Zee-Ah
"A" is said as the "A" in "Father." An "S" found between two vowels creates "Z." Stress the "I" to "EE." And end with "A" as in "Father," once again.
A note: The final three letters ("-sia") will be sandwiched a bit more when spoken... Perhaps taking the "I" sound to a short "EE," nearly "Zyah."
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This name is personally dumb. It's a continent guys! It's way too silly!
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This name is incredibly trashy. Place names, for the most part, don't work well on real people. Asia also sounds like a stripper name.
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It is also used in Italy, fashionable since about 2000 particularly in the lowest classes. It ranks 18th in the most popular names in Italy in 2006. [noted -ed]
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The Italian pronunciation is AH-zyah.
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It sounds pretty but I think that it is tacky to name your kid after a continent.
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Asia could also be a nickname for Anastasia.
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Actress Penelope Cruz used to have a cat named Asia. My sister, who's a little snobbish, named our own cat Asia after Pe's cat, so for me, though it's a beautiful name, Asia is the name of an animal.
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I love this name, and don't see what the big problem about it's being a continent is.
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There is a famous movie star named Asia Aria Maria Vittoria Rossa Argento. Her name was pronounced ah-SHEE-ah. There is a full biography of her at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000782/bio & yes, Asia is a beautiful name. Peace to all that bear it.
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Asia is a really pretty name. It's actually of Arabic/Middle Eastern origin and supposed to be pronounced AHS-SIA. I like A-JA better though!
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It's an awesome name, it's on my list of names for girls if I have one.
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I can think of two famous bearers of this name: Asia Argento is an actress. Can't remember what movies she's been in, but I think I heard somewhere she was linked with Vin Diesel at one time. The other famous Asia is the porn star Asia Carrera, whose real name is Jessica Steinhauser. She is of Japanese ancestry and one of her claims to fame is she is a member of Mensa, the organization for high-IQ people.
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Can also be spelt Aja.
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I like this, although it does bug me that it is a contintent. I dislike it spelled Aja however.
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As a person from Asia, it is really funny that Asia, a sort of a continent is a name for girls. But I think the sound is pretty.
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Asia (AY-zhah) in Greek also means "sunrise" I think.
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Actually the word "Asia" comes from the Aramaic word "Asi" meaning east, the name of the continent derives from this.
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An ancient Greek name. In Greek mythology Asia was the daughter of Oceanos and Tythes, lover of Iapetos, mother of Prometheas, Epimetheas, Atlantas and Menoitios. The name of the continent comes from her.
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Other form is Azhia.
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