Naming Ceremonies are a very important part of family celebrations. They are the delightful occasion when the parents choose to formally introduce their child to their family and friends and at that time bestow a name upon the child.

Many parents, who hold no particular religious beliefs, choose to have a Name Giving Ceremony for their child believing that the child will be able to make religious or non religious choices for themselves when they are old enough to understand the commitment.

Some children are named shortly after birth, although the first birthday or birth anniversary are a popular time for a Name Giving Ceremony. Sometimes, other children in the family will be named at the same time, if they were not given such a ceremony when younger.

Generally Name Giving Ceremonies start with an introduction, and a brief explanation on the reasons that a naming ceremony has been chosen. When the names are officially bestowed upon the child, there may be an explanation given on the reasons for selecting the chosen names, or a particular meaning attributed to the names. During the ceremony you can acknowledge the role of other significant people such as grandparents or older children. Older children may like to take part in the ceremony by reading a short poem to their new baby sister or brother.

Even though a Name Giving Ceremony is non religious, the term Godparent is often used and the appointment of Godparents, Guardians, or Mentors is very much a matter of personal choice. There is no limit to the number appointed but remember that these people should play a special role in the life of the child and you should consider the practicality of their future involvement in your child's life.

A Naming Certificate is presented to the newly named child or person. Certificates can also be available for both Guardians, Mentors, God Parents and Grand Parents if required.

Ceremonies can also include activities such as planting of trees, sealing a time capsule, contributing to a memento box, the lighting of candles, this can sometimes be a bit of a challenge if the ceremony is held outdoors on a windy day.