Naming Ceremonies give families the choice of celebrating the birth of a child in the way that they wish and to welcome them into the community of family and friends. It can also be used to welcome an adoptive child or to embrace stepchildren into a new family.

Children involved in a Naming Ceremony may be any age, but commonly people choose to conduct them when their children are still babies or as an additional celebration of the child’s first birthday.

A Naming Ceremony is a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved as they pledge their love and support for your child’s future development. The Ceremony can be as intimate as you like, or involve as many people and guests as you wish.

Many people are unsure what a Naming Ceremony involves.  Most have common sections on which you can base your ceremony, and there are also optional sections that you can incorporate according to your preferences.  A typical Naming Ceremony includes:

1. •Welcome and Introduction
   

2. •Readings
   

3. •Naming of the baby/child/children
   

4. •Appointment of supporting adults e.g. ‘godparent’ or ‘mentor’
   

5. •Welcoming of child to their community of family and friends
   

6. •Closing words and Signing of Certificate
   

Some optional elements are things such as promises or vows, the acknowledgement of the supporting adult’s role and/or personal qualities, reasons for the child’s name, a ritual such as a tree planting or wish box, and the giving of a special gift to the child.

As with any other ceremony that I conduct, the Naming Ceremony will be unique and will be crafted to meet the individual needs and wishes of the family. There are many ways to make your child’s Naming Ceremony a very personal, meaningful and unique event for everyone involved.  I can work with you to come up with a truly wonderful celebration, and I offer a comprehensive resource file of ideas to use as inspiration.