In short
- Customs differ by religion, region and family.
- Decide the name and its spelling before the ceremony.
- The name becomes official when you register the birth.
Across India, giving a baby its name is marked with a ceremony. The customs differ by religion, region and family, and what follows is a general overview and not a rulebook. If you want to follow a tradition closely, ask the elders in your family or your priest, imam, pastor or granthi.
1Hindu: namakarana
The naming ceremony is one of the traditional samskaras, or life rites. It is often held around the 11th or 12th day after birth, though many families choose another auspicious day within the first months. A priest may suggest the starting sound for the name from the baby's nakshatra, and the name is often whispered into the baby's ear. Some families name the child after a grandparent or a family deity. See our guide on baby names by nakshatra.
2Muslim: aqiqah and naming
In Islamic tradition it is recommended to give the baby a good name, and many families do this on the seventh day, which is also when aqiqah, the thanksgiving feast, is traditionally held. Parents often choose names of the Prophets, his family and companions, or names with a good meaning, and avoid names with a bad meaning.
3Christian: baptism or christening
In many Christian communities the child is given its name at baptism, also called a christening, which usually takes place within the first months. Families often choose the name of a saint, a biblical figure or a relative. The exact timing depends on the church and the family.
4Sikh: naam karan
In Sikh families the naming takes place at the gurdwara. The Guru Granth Sahib is opened at random and the first letter of the hymn on the page, the hukamnama, is used as the first letter of the child's name. The family then chooses a name starting with that letter.
5Planning the day
Agree the date with the elders first, and then tell the relatives who need to travel. Decide who will announce the name, because in many families that is a grandparent or an aunt, and let them know in advance so they can prepare a few words. Keep the baby's routine in mind: feeding and sleep matter more than the schedule, and there is nothing that requires the ceremony to be held on a fixed day if the baby or mother is unwell. A simple home ceremony is as valid as a large function.
In families of mixed faiths, many couples combine customs, for example a short prayer from each tradition, and agree on a name that works for both sides. A calm conversation before the day avoids awkward moments on it.
Tip. Tell close relatives the name before the day, so that it does not come as a surprise.
6Whatever the tradition, a few things help
Decide on the name, and its spelling, before the ceremony, so that the invitation, the certificate and the paperwork all match. Tell close relatives the name before the day, so that it does not come as a surprise. And keep the ceremony as simple or as grand as your family wishes. The most important thing is that the name is one you are happy with. Our guide on how to choose a baby name can help you narrow the list.
Common questions
Do we have to hold a ceremony?
No. A ceremony is a custom and a celebration. The name becomes official when you register the birth.
Can the ceremony be later than the usual day?
Yes. Many families hold it when relatives can travel, or on a day a priest advises. The exact day varies widely.
Can we pick a name before the ceremony?
Yes. Most families decide in advance and announce it at the ceremony.