Why did Jews abandon Jewish names for local names? Jews in Russia are called Russian names, Jews in England are called English names. Even Benjamin Netanyahu isn't called a Jewish name.

 The phenomenon of Jews adopting local names is multifaceted and influenced by historical, cultural, and legal factors. Let’s explore some key reasons behind this practice:

1. Taxation and Legal Requirements:

   • During the Napoleonic era, Jews in countries like Russia, Poland, and Germany were mandated to acquire surnames for tax purposes.
   • These surnames were often chosen based on local customs and language.
   • After Napoleon’s defeat, some Jews reverted to traditional “son of” names (e.g., Mendelsohn, Jacobson, Levinson).
   • Later, during the Emancipation, Jews were once again required to adopt surnames¹.

2. Assimilation and Integration:

   • As Jews lived as minorities among non-Jewish majorities, their names often mirrored those of their neighbors.
   • Shared surnames between Jews and non-Jews do not necessarily imply conversions; they reflect the cultural context.
   • Some scholars suggest that Christian authorities assigned Jews Christian surnames, while others speculate on conversions into and out of the two groups.
   • Imaginative tales describe scenarios where a Christian recognizes the superiority of Judaism and professes it, often involving nobles or romantic love stories².

3. Geographical and Cultural Influences:

   • In the Russian Empire, Jews bore surnames associated with princes (e.g., Romanov, Trubetzkoy), Christian Orthodox clergy (e.g., Arkhangelsky, Pokrovsky), and Russian cultural figures (e.g., Lomonosov, Pushkin, Tolstoy, Tchaikovsky).
   • Jewish surnames overlapped with those of Soviet and post-Soviet politicians (e.g., Ulyanov/Lenin, Gorbachev, Putin).
   • In Ukraine, Jewish surnames matched those of Cossack leaders, and in Belarus, they resembled famous Polish literati.
   • German Jews carried names like Kant, Heidegger, Schiller, and Mozart².

4. Legal Constraints on Conversion:

   • Assuming that Jews with gentile names had Christian ancestors who converted to Judaism is problematic.
   • Such conversions would have been illegal historically, as religious boundaries were strictly enforced².

In summary, the adoption of local names by Jews reflects a complex interplay of legal requirements, cultural assimilation, and historical context. These names serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of Jewish history and its interactions with diverse societies.