Name changes helped my Jewish relatives dodge prejudice

Jewish and Irish immigrants to the UK often changed their names in order to avoid prejudice. Above, East End, London, circa 1900. Photograph: Heritage Images/Getty Images

While Iman Amrani is to be respected for keeping her name (I’m proud to be young, British and Muslim. Why should I change my name?, 12 March) there is a long history of folk changing their names in order to assimilate, get jobs or housing, or avoid prejudice. In my Jewish family my Cohen uncles became Conways, Cowans and Conroys. The German Weiss became Wise and White; Schwartz is now Black. Children of Irish immigrants dropped the “O’”. Obituaries of many in the entertainment industry indicate their immigrant origins.

First names too were adapted. In the 1930s my mother’s biblical Sarah became Sally, all the Moshes (Moses) became Maurice and Mark. All to avoid discrimination of one sort or another. Of course, black people can never avoid racism – it shows in the colour of their skin.
Carole Underwood
Kendal, Cumbria

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