baby namings

The Basics

    We know we want to do something to celebrate our baby's arrival, but we are not religious so

a christening would not feel right.

A typical naming ceremony might include readings or poems, parental promises to their child, the appointment of ‘Guideparents’ and perhaps a symbolic action such as planting a tree, signing a certificate or writing in a wish book.



There is no set script for a humanist naming ceremony—it is too personal an occasion for that. Instead, every naming is tailored to meet the particular family’s requirements. I will guide you through the process by



  • Meeting you to get to know what you want from the occasion.

  • Write a unique ceremony based on your preferences.

  • Edit this in response to your feedback to make sure it is absolutely perfect for you.

  • Conduct the ceremony on the day itself.

  • Give you a presentation copy of the final script.



You can download our Namings leaflet or see our Frequently Asked Questions about naming ceremonies. See a sample structure of a naming ceremony 



We would love to hear from you if you have had a humanist naming ceremony and would like to share a photo and a tell us about it for our website.

I hear this a lot, and it is where humanist naming ceremonies come in. Happy, personal and relaxed occasions can be held where and when a family chooses.


Naming ceremonies are relatively new and increasingly popular. They are organized by the many parents who know that they want to mark their child’s arrival but who want to do so in a way that is not religious.


Naming ceremonies can be held wherever you want: at home, in the park, the garden, the zoo, etcetera.


They focus on the individual child, their personality and the friends and family that surround them.

Can be held whenever you are ready. There is no rush: many are combined first birthday celebrations, for examples, and we also conduct many joint Namings for siblings.