Naming Children Your name as a root Lesson 0 HPW 3C

Naming Children When children are born, legally they must be given and registered with a name. Naming a child is a child-rearing practice that is found in every culture. In Canada, the child’s name is registered with the province or territory of birth. After the registration, an official birth certificate is issued to the parents. Who names the child, what name is chosen and when they are named can vary significantly from culture to culture. As well naming ceremonies can be quite elaborate.

Naming a child To give a child a name is a very serious issue. The name will need to “fit” the child from birth to death. Remember the person is a child for so little time in the entire life-span, therefore, a cute toddler name is not appreciated by someone in their sixties. Some people believe you must actually see the child before a name could be suggested, others think that the child will grow into the name. Either way, the naming of a child should not be taken lightly. Names are a part of a person’s identity and may affect the child’s overall development. Nicknames are often adopted for children and adults and this can be another way of expressing a cultural or personality trait. Or it may simply be a shortened version of a longer name (for example, John for Jonathon).

Naming a child Historical records show us that names are very significant and much meaning was attached to the name of a newborn. Historically, a name was often used twice in one family since the infant mortality rate was so high. That way, in case the first child named died early in childhood, a later-born child was often given the name of the sibling who died earlier. This allowed families to keep a name in the family and have it passed down to further generations.

Naming a child Naming ceremonies differ from culture to culture. The ceremony of naming a child can be as simple as telling family and friends the name of the new baby or as elaborate as a religious or cultural ceremony followed by a celebration. In any case, there are several factors which parents should keep in mind when deciding upon a name for a newborn.

Factors in Naming a child The factors include: 1.Gender - Most cultures have definite male and female names. Some names are used for both boys and girls, for example, Jamie. 2.Religion - Every religion has names with importance attached to them. For example, in Christian cultures, many children are named after saints or those names found in the Bible. 3.Family Tradition - Many families will name children after other family members. For example, in the Muslim tradition, male and female children are named after their grandparents. 4.Popularity - Like many things, names go through a cycle of popularity. Oftentimes, children are named after popular television or movie celebrities. 5.Associations - Names can be associated with famous people, for example, Terry, for Terry Fox. 6.Meanings - Some parents consult books to determine the meaning of names before naming a child. 7.Initials - Oftentimes parents will look at the initials of the name of the child to determine an order, for example, Steven Oliver Smith = SOS.

Key Question – your name 1.What is your full name and why was it given to you? You may interview someone if you choose not to use your own name. 2.Does your name have any particular meaning or significance to your family? 3.Does any family member also have the same name? Why were they given the name? 4.What are your three top preferences for a name for a girl and a boy? Explain why you might choose these names? Create a chart in your notes to organize your answers – it may look similar to the one following. DO NOT write in this booklet. 5.Select a name of a family member and using the Internet or a library resource book, find the meaning of the name. Does this name suit the individual? 6.Why is it so important for parents to consider the factors for naming children before they do name the child? 7.Do you know anyone who dislikes his/her name? What is the name and why does he/she not like it? Has the name hurt the person in any way? Describe.