Naming Ceremony

A naming ceremony for a child is like a statement to the community of family and friends of who the child is. There’s no legal requirement to have a ceremony for a child so there are no official or legal rules or guidelines.

A naming ceremony usually has some words that express your beliefs about children, or this child in particular; and include blessings for your child, yourself and the child’s ‘mentors’. It’s also a time for parents to say thanks for the support already given and for the continuing support of family and friends.

Rather than ‘god-parents’, often several people are chosen to fulfil the role of being good listeners, supporters, encouragers – people who’ll “be there” for this child. They’ll probably be “guardian angels in human form” or “mentors” and can make some specific promises, such as to support the parent/s and to listen to and love your child all the days of their lives.

In a naming ceremony, I find it’s appropriate to explain the names you’ve chosen for your child and their meaning, to give some wishes or blessings, and to hear some music and some poetry or special words. 

Naming ceremonies are usually quite short and definitely “sweet”. 

A naming for a child (or children) can be a part of a wedding ceremony – a delightful way of honouring your family and your connection.

A naming ceremony and renewal of marriage vows go well together.

A naming ceremony can also be for an adult who changes their name or for an adolescent who chooses to take a new name.