forum I need an outside opinion...

Started July 28, 2018 by @Lavy-the-Nerdy-Sci-Fi-Birdy

tune

I have an Israeli character whose name is Grace Weaver, and I feel this isn't quite right since the names Grace and Weaver are European names and she's only got a couple of very distant ancestors who were European.

Well is she Isreli as in born and living in Israel or as in an American with Israeli ancestry? Also, I mean Grace is thing that pretty much every culture can get behind so I think you're okay there. Depending on how the family tree goes back it really only takes one European husband to give many generations of children his last name if you play marriages and changing surnames right. So I mean it's definitely not impossible to explain, especially if this character is American

She's a Israel native. She immigrated to America though.

Honestly I think that some people will probably dislike the culture inaccuracy of Weaver, I mean personally I don't think it's big deal but it's tough to say which side each reader will make. But if you're really worried about it I'd say to play it safe and if it's possible I would lampshade it in universe.

I think if I give her either a more Israeli first name or surname I'll be fine.

Yeah probably, I'd say change her last name because not only will it be more convincing it'll be probably be easier for you keep track of in your own head than changing a first name.

Yeah. That means I have to change her daughter's last name, as I picked the name Weaver with her in mind before I realized her mom's ethnicity.

Trust me my guy it happens to me all the time, I feel your pain

Yeah. Welp, time to research Israeli surnames. Thanks for your help!

I’m late, but I agree with @Azuresbend. Politics are kinda stupid, and they are (sadly) something a writer has to take into consideration… Personally, I think just changing the last name would be fine. “Grace” is a pretty universal name, so I think that that should be okay. :)

Pretty sure you solved this one all by yourself but you're welcome anyway, lol, Good luck.

Thanks

Say, does Amar sound like an Israeli surname? I don't want to rely on the internet too much.

Yes it does lol. I’ve read a series where a background character’s first name was Amar, and he was Israeli.

Okay then! Thanks!

No problemo!