To Jews who know people who have converted did those converts take a Hebrew/Jewish name upon converting?

Is it true that the justification for changing ones name upon converting to Judaism comes from the fact that Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel and Hajar became Kushrut(sp) upon being Jewish?

To Jews who know people who have converted did those converts take a Hebrew/Jewish name upon converting?
Yes, after a fashion. Abraham and others whose names were changed underwent spiritual transformations; their names were changed to reflect this. The same is true today.





The sages say that one of the virtues of the Jews in their exile in Egypt was that they did not alter their names. That would have signaled an altered worldview, the adoption of a new lifestyle, a quick and efficient scrapping of the past.





A change of name for the convert, following that logic, signals the embracing of a new philosophy, a new identification, a purposeful, mindful statement of intent for the long future. "A convert is as a newborn child, k'tinok she'nolad." A new person needs a new name. That is why the rabbis instituted that converts should choose Hebrew names for their new Jewish lives.
Reply:You need a Hebrew name to be called to the Torah.





Converts use Avraham for their father's name and Sarah for their mother's. So for Jewish ritual, I'm Miriam Leah bat Avraham v'Sarah.





That's the practical side. The metaphorical/mystical side is as metaphorical or mystical, or not, as the convert.
Reply:Every convert is given a hebrew name. It may sound like their English name, or that may choose one of their own.





Whether the convert then uses that name in public, or stays with their given name is their personal choice.





I also know other Jews who feel their first name is not Jewish enough, and will change their name to something more appropriate.





Sometimes Johns will change to Joshua, as an example








Enjoy,


Jeffrey
Reply:Most people who convert to Judaism do take on a new Hebrew name, yes. I'll be honest and say I'm not entirely sure of the reason underlying it, so I'll star your post for my fellow Jews who no doubt will be able to answer this :)