Your Naming Ceremony Celebrant

Together we will create a meaningful and joyful celebration. 

Naming Ceremony

Our names are among the most important things our parents bestow upon us. Having a name acknowledges our existence and gives us a separate identity. As well as marking our arrival, it also provides us with a historical, cultural and familial connection to the world.

Our name distinguishes us from others whilst giving us a sense of belonging; there is unparalleled importance to being given a name as it is the first symbol of our identity. Our name is how we are known to and remembered by others, from birth to death and beyond.

With societal changes, there has been a decline in religious-based ceremonies and, consequently, a need for personal and meaningful alternative options. A naming ceremony is an alternative way to celebrate a new arrival, welcome an adopted child, unite a blended family or re-introduce yourself to the world. It is an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate new beginnings and share your joy with those closest to you.

A baby naming is a chance to bring together friends and family who will be a part of their life. As the saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child". The intent behind "Godparents" was based on their Christian beliefs so they could offer your child spiritual support and guidance. Without religious constraints, you can choose whomever you want and give them an epithet that reflects the role you wish them to undertake; this can also be introduced or extended to blended families and adopted children.

Although a naming ceremony has no legal standing, it is an opportunity to celebrate and mark a new life or new life changes. And unlike traditional ceremonies such as a christening, each ceremony is individual, personal, inclusive and genuine.

Having a bespoke naming ceremony means that they can be created to suit your values and beliefs and can incorporate elements, rituals or customs that reflect what you want the ceremony to represent and create lasting memories.

 FAQs

  • Initially, I will go through a few formal questions; I like to get those out of the way. Then we can chat about what the ceremony means to you, how you envisage the ceremony and what you would like included.

  • A Naming Ceremony is non-religious and is not officiated by clergy. They are personalised and inclusive and can be held at any location. A religious or spiritual element may be added based on personal choice.

    A Naming Ceremony focuses on the child/children/person and encompasses hopes for the future.

    A Naming Ceremony is a way of welcoming and acknowledging new beginnings without limitations on participants.

    A Christening is a religious ceremony officiated by clergy, focusing on the beginning of a journey of faith. It is based on religious symbolism and marks the entrance into the Christian faith.

    Those chosen to be Godparents must have been Christened, and their purpose is to offer spiritual support and guidance.

  • There are no time limits. The length of the ceremony will be totally dependent on what you choose to include. Guidance will be provided when constructing the ceremony.

  • The best thing about a Naming Ceremony is that there are no rules. You can create a totally individual ceremony that is meaningful to you and can include as many others or elements as you wish. You choose what to include. Here are a few ideas:-

    Welcoming & Naming

    Poems and/or readings

    Promises and or Vows

    The signing of the Commemorative Certificate

    Time Capsule

    Tree Planting

    Tree of Wishes

    Blending Ceremony

    And so much more ….

  • A Naming Ceremony can be held wherever you want as long as there are no health and safety issues.

  • Absolutely. I actively encourage those that want to play a part in the Ceremony to do so.

    All I ask is that I be given a copy of the words in advance so that I can include them in the Ceremony.

  • Yes. I am a Civil Celebrant which means I am not tied to any doctrine. The Ceremony may have religious or spiritual elements included if that is your wish.

  • You can contact me by phone, text or email. Don’t worry if it is early morning, evening, or the weekend.

    If I can’t respond immediately I will get back to you as soon as I can.