On Friday, December 14, 2007 I was asked the following question:

I am looking for a translation for my father’s name, Raymond. I have found a number of different possibilities; however, the most common found are Avigdor, Gonen and Magen. Can you please tell me which of these is the most accurate, or if you know of one that I haven’t mentioned?

Thank you very much for your help, it is much appreciated.

This was my response:

Shalom,
Since Raymond is a modern name, it is very likely that his Hebrew name held no relationship to it at all. You might try to determine the Hebrew name of the person who he was named for. Sorry that I can't be of more help.

If you have questions about a personal matter, or jewish practices and customs, you can submit them to me by e-mail. I answer all queries directly, or through this column, when the question is informative to our community.

Thank you for your kind attention and this opportunity to share with you,
Rabbi Dan S. Wiko
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