A Naming Ceremony is an opportunity for the family and friends to celebrate formally and welcome a child into the community. As an alternative to religious ceremonies it allows the family to celebrate this happy occasion. For the person being named, at a later date they can consider their own spiritual decisions.

To give a child a name is a particularly important part of receiving them.

A name giving ceremony is a cultural celebration, an occasion when a new life is celebrated and welcomed into the world. It allows announcement of chosen names to your family and friends and you may give the reason why these names were chosen.

It allows promises of commitment to nurture and support the child into adulthood. Other people may be chosen who are prepared to promise a special supportive relationship with the child - Godparents, mentors or guardians.

I see a Naming Ceremony as a time when people come together to pledge their love, loyalty, support, help and interest in the child's future life ahead. In consultation with the family I will design a personal ceremony for you and your child.
Most naming ceremonies are performed for children, however adults or adolescents may choose to have a ceremony. This may be to mark a period of change in someone's life or because they have not previously had a ceremony in childhood.

Throughout history we have used symbols to represent elements of society. Symbols are things that stand for or represent something else. You may wish to include a ritual of candle lighting, balloon release, tree planting or sprinkling of water.