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I used to tolerate--even like--a handful of nickname names. Now I only like them if they can have a full etymological meaning in their own right: Frank (derived from the tribe), Alex (derived from Greek alexo), Beth ("house" in Hebrew), etc.

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I therefore need to investigate Eben a little more. Ebenezer means "stone of help", but does Eben mean "stone" or "help"? Or neither, being just a short form of Ebenezer by itself?

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I guess this is my long-winded way of saying I like Eben's sound (I pr. it E-ben in BtN's pr. key), but wouldn't use it if it can't etymologically stand on its own.

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EDIT: Satu over on the Name Facts board has informed me that Eben- means "stone", while -ezer means "help". So Eben as a full name gets a pass from me now. :-)

This message was edited 2/17/2007, 6:19 PM

I pronounce it EH-ben and I've always liked it.

I actually really like the name Eben! It's unique without being weird.

Short form of Ebenezer...

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So, yeah, easiest explained as Evan with a b.

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I like it a lot...I like the "rock" meaning. We really considered it for our son. I was actually a little surprised when we didn't use it.

I pronounce it like Evan with a B. I like it very much. (I also love Ebenezer and would consider using it if not for A Christmas Carol and all the related pop culture associations.)

Eben is one of my absolute favorites! Yes, it's like Evan but with a 'b' instead of a 'v.' And I want to use the nn Ben for Eben, if I ever get to use it. :o)

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My favorite Eben combos are:
Eben Elijah (love the initials E. E., like e.e.cummings)
Eben Ambrose
Eben Vaughan
Lucas Eben
Moses Eben (for some reason, I like a fn that ends with 's' before Eben as a mn)

Very nice name. I am a fan of the name Ebenezer though so Eben is just a form of that for me.

I believe it's pronounced like Evan, because it's a form of Ebenezer. I'm not a fan of the name.

I pronounce it EE-BEN. To me, it sounds feminine and seems like a mispelling of Eden. I also can't help but think of Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens and it's not the best association.
But that's just my taste...

This message was edited 2/17/2007, 7:24 AM

This name is quite common amongst Afrikaans speaking people in South Africa. I have nothing against the name, but it's just not my style. But I am so tired of all the little Ethans running around so I am always glad when I see alternative E-names for boys on the boards.

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:o)