Child Naming Ceremony

Introduction

On behalf of [Parents’ Names], I would like to extend a very warm welcome to this baby naming ceremony, which has been created with much planning, thought, and love. With great honor I have the pleasant duty to officially name [Child’s Name] and welcome [pronoun] into [pronoun] community of family and friends. And we do so, for a number of reasons.

Firstly, [Parents’ Names] wish to express their joy about [Child’s Name] arrival on [Date of Birth]. They want to introduce [pronoun] to the wider community of their friends and the world. They wish you all to share this joy. They would also like you to join with them in celebrating the official naming of their baby. Your presence at this baby naming ceremony today is greatly appreciated.

Reading

I will now read a poem titled “Family.”

A family is a place to cry, laugh and vent frustrations,
To ask for help, tease and yell,
To be touched and hugged and smiled at.

A Family is people, who care when you are sad,
Who love you no matter what, and share your triumphs;
Who don’t expect you to be perfect,
Just growing with honesty, in your own direction.
Family is a circle Where we learn to like ourselves
Where we learn to make good decisions, and think before we do.
Where we learn integrity and table manners,
And respect for other people.
Where we are special, and share ideas.
Where we listen and are listened to.
Where we learn the rules of life
To prepare ourselves for the world
The world is a place, where anything can happen,
If we grow up in a loving family, we are ready for the world.

Parent Promises

Ladies and gentleman, I am now going to ask [Parents’ Names] to make promises as parents in front of you, their family and friends, and as such, those who mean the most to them in the world.

Do you promise to nurture and protect [Child’s Name] throughout [pronoun] life, and do you promise to support and offer [pronoun] guidance in the choices that [pronoun] will make?

“We do.”

Do you promise to teach [Child’s Name] right from wrong to enable [pronoun] to make [pronoun] place in society as a kind and caring person?

“We do.”

Parents, together repeat after me

“We promise to be the best parents we can be.”

Guardian Introduction

[Parents’ Names] have chosen two [Guardians, or whatever term you decide on for your baby naming ceremony] for [Child’s Name] today. A wonderful tradition in our culture on these occasions is the responsibility accepted by [guardians term]. The [guardians term] will undertake a special and lifelong interest in the welfare of [Child’s Name]. Today [Guardians’ Names] have agreed to become involved in [Child’s Name] life by promising to be there for [pronoun] should [pronoun] need support, wisdom, comfort, or guidance. They have been chosen by [Parents’ Names] because of their connection with them, the family, because of their similar beliefs. The fact that they have been chosen by [Parents’ Names], is an indication of their position of trust and respect within this family.

Guardian Asking

Being mindful of this, I now ask of the [guardians term], [Guardians’ Names], do you accept this responsibility?

“We do.”

Bracelet Ceremony

I will now call upon each [guardians term] as well as parents, [Parents’ Names], to present their gift to symbolize them now becoming part of [Child’s Name] life, and tell [pronoun] their wish for [pronoun].

[You may substitute any gift of your choice for your particular baby naming ceremony]

First Guardian: My wish for you is…[guardian wish]

Second Guardian: My wish for you…[guardian wish]

Mother: Our wish is for you is…[Parents’ wish]

Father: Our promise to you is protection and guidance

[one bracelet can be presented on child’s wrist or each person can present a bracelet]

Reading

[Guardians to provide a poem or passage]

Naming Ritual

[Parents’ Names] chose the name [Child’s Name] [give reason why this name was chosen and what it means]

We all agree to call you [Child’s Name].

[Child’s Name], we hope that you will wear your name with pride, happiness and strength. We wish you long life and happiness, in a loving and peaceful world. May you bring joy to your parents, grandparents, your [guardians term] and to us all.

Reading

[Father to provide a nice speech for [Child’s Name]]

Final Declaration

[Celebrant holding child’s hand]: I now name you [Child’s Name], may life’s richest joys and blessings be yours. May you grow in health of body and mind to full adulthood and it be your good fortune to play some worthy part in making life pleasant for those whose paths you cross.

[Mother to provide a poem or passage]