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Baby Naming Ceremonies | with Meg the Celebrant

Writer's picture: MegStanierCelebrantMegStanierCelebrant

Updated: Jan 14, 2024

Firstly, congratulations to all the new parents out there!

In the UK, baby naming ceremonies are becoming a popular alternative to traditional religious christenings. This is an excellent choice for those who may not be religious but still want to celebrate the birth of their child. After all, it's a significant milestone in life.

The Comb, Northumberland. Naming ceremony guests sit in a circle outside with family at the front

Frequently Asked Questions About Naming Ceremonies


Q: Who can perform a naming ceremony?


A: A celebrant is typically responsible for writing and officiating the ceremony, and will meet with you several times to discuss the content/get to know your family, theme, and who/what you would like to include. However, if you have a friend or relative who is passionate about public speaking, a celebrant can write a script for them to present at the ceremony.


Q: What does a baby naming ceremony include?

A: There's no one-size-fits-all template for this ceremony, but you can expect some of the following:


Music Readings Meaning of the name & why you chose it

'The Naming' Symbolic elements (some listed below) Parents/Grandparents/Life mentor promises Naming parchment to be signed

Group Vows


but you can be as creative as you like! There are no rules!


A sand ceremony, best wishes box, circle of love, or naming ribbon are just some of the unique elements that can make your event even more special. You can find more information about these features on our website. We can personalise any of these elements to fit the theme, family/friends involved and wishes of the parents.


Q: Who is typically involved in the naming ceremony?

A: Parents and grandparents often use a naming ceremony to pledge their care and love to a child as well as promising to support them throughout their life. You may also wish to include children/cousins/step-siblings. There is no written rule, you can involve whoever you wish to. It has also become increasingly popular to name a few 'life mentors' who can make their own promises to your child.


Child naming ceremony readings

Overall, you can have as many people as you would like involved in your naming ceremony. You can even involve

everyone present, by using special elements like the naming ribbon and the best wishes box. Some parents choose to also incorporate a group vow, where everyone says 'we do' to a group promise spoken by the celebrant e.g. 'do you all promise to look out for [name] and welcome them into your family'. Your guests will be a part of your child's community, so it's usually a lovely gesture to get them all involved at some point in your child's naming ceremony.


Q: Can we have any theme and be creative?

A: You can pick any theme you like- your event can be whatever you want it to be.

Parents sometimes choose a theme they think the other children will enjoy e.g. Disney, pirates, Harry Potter etc. Once a celebrant knows your theme, they can be more creative and tie your ceremony into the rest of the day. We can help you research readings and music that fit the theme as well and give you some ideas.


Alternatively, you can keep it simple and choose more traditional readings and poetry.


Q: Where can I host a naming ceremony?

A: A baby naming ceremony is not bound to any time or location. You can have it in a hotel, beach, your back garden, you name it! As long as you have the landowners permission you can have your event anywhere.


Q: How long is a naming ceremony?

A: Ceremonies usually last for approximately 30 minutes depending on the content.


I hope you have found this blog useful. These are just some of the questions you may have about naming ceremonies, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions!




Naming Ceremony | Naming Day | Ceremony Inspiration | Naming Celebrant | Celebrant North East




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