The Mystery of Names: What If the Bride Has the Same Name as the Mother-in-Law
Why a name match does not have to break a shidduch and how it is handled practically
In Jewish tradition there is a well-known caution from Rabbi Yehuda HaChasid that a bride should not have the same name as her future mother-in-law, nor a groom the same name as his future father-in-law.
What is done in practice?
This is not a reason to ruin an otherwise excellent shidduch. If the match is strong in every other way, identical names should not automatically become a barrier.
The usual solution is to add a name. A second name may be added to the bride or the mother-in-law, and that is often enough.
The new name should be used. Ideally the added name becomes the primary everyday name for at least 30 days before the engagement.
Partial overlap is not a problem. If the names only partly match, such as Miriam-Leah and Miriam, that is generally not considered an issue.
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