How could a man named Philip in USA have Hebrew name Yehoshua Falk?

Question

My great-uncle from Eastern Europe had given name of Philip in America (came in 1880s), is shown in 1889 directory as Philip plus his surname. His gravestone gives his name as Yehoshua Falk [then surname] ben R. Mordechai. He was about 30 when he arrived in US. His naturalization application filed decades afer arrival has supplemental page with inquiry as to whether he was ever known by any other name. He said yes, "Falke." Line was stricken through this name, and he changed answer to "no." I know his surname was NOT Falk. I'm aware at least two famous rabbis were known as Joshua or Yehoshua Falk, either as given name plus surname or as compound given name. How did my relative turn into Philip in America? Any input would be welcome. Thank you.

Answer 1

It's only recently that one's English name is usually identical or close to one's Jewish name.

In the olden days there was no connection. To give a few examples:.

A close relative of mine is called Joe (full legal name) and נתן - he is named after his grandfather Joseph - נתן.

Another close relative is called Monique Caroline - קיילה. Another is Edith - פייגא. Or my cousin Max - משולם.

Sometimes the English name was essentially a Jewish name, yet there was no match:

A Rov I know is called David - אלחנן משה. His cousins are called Elon - אלחנן משה and Saul - משולם שמעון.

I could go on, most of the people I grew up with had mismatching Hebrew-English names.

There's some chatting about this phenomena here.