Naming Ceremonies
The first steps
A naming ceremony is a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate the welcoming of a child into the world, your family and the community. Unlike religious christenings, naming ceremonies are typically secular and can be tailored to reflect the values, beliefs, and cultural traditions of the family.
My role is to work with the family to craft and deliver a ceremony, ensuring it’s heartfelt, inclusive, and memorable. My experience will often guide families through the process of choosing readings, music, symbolic rituals (like candle lighting, sand ceremonies, or tree planting), and the formal naming itself. The ceremony will incorporate commitments from parents, guardians, and supporting adults, sometimes called "guide parents", who pledge to nurture and support the child as they grow.
These ceremonies can be held anywhere: at home, in a garden, a park, or a community hall. Together we will ensure the tone is warm and celebratory, often weaving in personal stories, family heritage, and hopes for the child’s future. Whether simple or elaborate, a naming ceremony becomes a cherished occasion that honors the child’s arrival and the love that surrounds them.


