[Hadley2]

Hi, soon-to-be-adopted by us fd has a Jewish first name. She wants to change her middle name when her last name changes. She likes the sound and meaning of the name Zaza, movement, but would like it better if it meant fast movement, swift movement, something to capture the fact that she is always moving, always fast--suus, siis, sws? like the bird? Does anyone have any suggestions, it doesn't have to be a traditional name, could be a word (the online translators show Hebrew characters, so no idea of the sound or English spelling, but the English spelling of the word meaning swift, rapid, quick, nimble, etc. might be good if it sounds nice, too).

We are not Jewish and neither is she, so I hope this query is not too out of place. Thank you.

[TheFoxx]

Maheer - swift

[goodvibes]

Maheer is the masculine gender for this adjective. The feminine form is Meheerah.

I would suggest a nickname widely used here in Israel for people with certain qualities. The nickname is Gingy (m.) or Gingit (f.), where all the g's are pronounced as in "gin", not as in "gun". The primary meaning is Redhead, but according to the common usage of the name, being a redhead implies a certain type of personality, rather than just a color. It is an accepted "fact" that redheads are blessed with that kind of personality. A black, brown or blond person may be a Gingy/Gingit at heart if they are lucky.

These are some of the implied qualities: nifty, sharp, chutzpah (in the good sense of the word, not offensive), playful, the very opposite of bashful or awkward, quick-witted, wicked sense of humor. A Gingy/Gingit will be thinking outside of the box and will overcome any challenge by finding an unexpected solution. Being called by this name is deemed a praise.

While the name usually describes spiritual mobility and sharpness rather than physical, I have got a feeling that it describes your daughter pretty well - that she is the coolest Gingit ever.

Congratulations on your upcoming adoption!

[Hadley2]

Thank you both. I love Mehira and put it on the list but I think she thought it sounded too "soft" and pretty...Gingit would be her, but again, the sound threw her off.

On another board, someone suggested Zariza (energetic, vigorous, nimble, industrious) and so far, she is liking it.

[sak9645]

Tzipporah -- has the "z" sound, refers to a bird (fast moving), has a good Jewish AND Christian history since Tzipporah was the wife of Moses. Tzippi is the short form.

Sharon