Name giving ceremonies in one fashion or other have been around almost as long as the human race. 

Naming ceremonies are suitable for both children and adults (for instance where an adult has changed their name).

In more recent times there has been a move away from traditional religious ceremonies such as baptisms to less religious based name giving ceremonies.

This broadens the scope of people that can be involved in the ceremony and the location.  There are some wonderful locations suitable for name giving ceremonies – from simple ceremonies at your home to parklands, coastal areas or anywhere you like really.

A name giving ceremony responds to cultural and community needs to welcome a child (or adult) into the family and the world, to remind all concerned of the great responsibility involved in bringing up a child. It can also assist in giving a family and cultural identity and a personal name in which they can take pride.

As with all ceremonies there can be many variants. Here are but a few:

• Candle lighting
• Water blessing
• Celtic water ceremony
• Tree planting