What's in a name?

I had an interesting conversation with some expat moms one night about different issues with living an expat life.  One thing they brought up, and it's something I'd never think of, was what to name your child when you don't live in your country of origin.  You can name your child something that means something totally different in another language, and for all you know you'll end up living there.  You could of named your child something that is very status quo for your country then to find out it means thief in another language.  The best example I heard was one of the mom's names.  Her name is Nicole, most people call her Nikki...used to be called Nick.  Nick in Arabic means, well, it means to have sex.  The wake up the entire neighborhood kind of sex.  Needless to say she doesn't go by Nick while living in Egypt. 

  I'll honestly admit that I was worried that Benjamin's name is  Hebrew and we were moving to a Muslim country.  One that doesn't love its Hebrew neighbors so much...

Suprisingly, and much to my relief, it's the total opposite.  People claim the name Benjamin all the time.

Typical conversations regarding Benjamin's name:

Us walking
Men on street talking
Men: snaps fingers, whistles at Benjamin  Hi, Hi
Benjamin: Hi
Men: What is your name?
Me: Benjamin
Men: Aaaaahhhh Benjamin.  In Egypt is Ben-ya-meen.  Is Egyptian name.
Me: smiles politely

Egyptian name...okaaaayyy

French lady: Ahhh, Benjamin, Is French name

Spanish lady: Ahhhh, Benjamin, Is Spanish name

German  lady: (you guessed it), Is German name


So, we picked a good name for our little critter.  It's conflict free, everyone says Is a (insert country here) name, and suits it him very well. 

The man was going to be Benjamin long before this picture was even taken.