Naming Ceremonies are increasingly popular. Also referred to as Name giving’s, they are a secular ceremony, and the occasion at which the parents or caregivers choose to formally introduce their child to their family and circle of friends, and bestow the chosen names upon the child.
Many parents choose not to baptise their children, because they have no active involvement with a Church, or have non-religious beliefs. Other parents are practicing Christians, but feel that children should make their own decision about embracing the family religious faith when old enough to understand the commitment. To not have a ceremony however is to ignore what is a very significant event in family life – the arrival of a new family member.
They elect to have a Naming Ceremony instead, sharing the occasion with family and friends at what is usually an informal though still very important and usually delightful occasion.Some children are named shortly after birth, but the first birthday is a popular time for others. Sometimes, other children in the family will be named at the same time, if they were not given such a ceremony when younger. The age of the child or person being named is not critical, and in fact an adult can also be named. This is where a Civil Celebrant may assist the parents by performing a non religious ceremony to formally introduce and name their child amongst their family and friends.

The appointment of people who will fill a special role in the life of the child is a matter of choice for the parents. It is optional, not a requirement. Those people may be termed Godparents, Guardians, or Mentors. It is important to note that Guardians only assume the legal role if appointed under the terms of a will.

Although a Name giving Ceremony is secular, the term Godparent is still frequently used. The parents request that this person take a special interest in the life of their child, and ask that he or she will be there in times of need. During the ceremony, the Godparent may be asked to read a blessing, or assist in lighting a candle, or perhaps to hold the child whilst the parents hold their candles.

There is no set number of godparents, guardians or mentors, and they may be either family members, or friends. In selecting people to share in your child’s life, you should consider the practicality of their future involvement.

Choosing the title of the person to look after a child is a personal choice and can be made from the above three choices.

Each ceremony is individually crafted after consultation with the family. Generally it will start with an introduction, and a brief explanation on the reasons that a naming ceremony has been chosen. Examples of ceremonies will be available to the parents to help them clarify their ideas and requirements.

The parents may choose to acknowledge the role of others in the life of their child – grandparents, older siblings, other relatives, or friends. Perhaps one of those people will be asked to present a reading to the guests. A naming ceremony is very much a time at which the involvement of different people in the life of the child is recognised.

If Godparents, Guardians or Mentors are to be appointed this is formally done within the ceremony, and those people receive a certificate of appointment.

Each child or person named receives a Certificate of Name giving.

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. The naming may be accompanied by different rituals, such as the lighting of candles, anointing with oils, or sprinkling with water or rose petals. Another reading may follow the naming, and at completion of the ceremony, the celebrant, the parents, and godparents (or guardians or mentors) will sign the naming certificate. Ceremonies may also involve activities such as planting of trees, sealing a time capsule, contributing to a memento box, or releasing balloons.

“Thank you for such a lovely Wedding Ceremony! Everyone commented on how great it was. We shall of course recommend you to everyone getting married.”

Tobias & Jen

“John was the most warm and welcoming Celebrant we could have ever had an experience with. With both Adam and myself, being married before, and having an alternative religion, John took our input of our religion and beliefs into consideration and enthusiasm, and worked his best into helping us making our ceremony script the best it could be. The perfect back drop to our wedding ceremony, and John’s relaxed attitiude, our ceremony was nothing but perfect.

Thank you so much John, for all that you did for us and making our day magical.”

Adam & Carmen