Mazel Tov! It's time for a
JEWISH BABY NAMING!
According to Jewish tradition, a Jewish baby boy is given a Hebrew name during his bris (b'rit milah). Obviously, things are a bit different for a Jewish baby GIRL ...
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A Jewish baby girl traditionally has a baby-naming ceremony the Shabbat after she is born. In Reform Judaism, the baby-naming ceremony can take place anytime during the first year; most people choose to do this during the first month or so.
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One of the most joyous occasions is the naming of a child. As parents, we often spend months thinking about the name we want for our child. Certain names seem to gain popularity either because of an event or perhaps a celebrity. The name we choose will help develop the identity of the child, so we choose with care.
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Most of us don't name a child Rocky (or something like that), but if we did, we would hope the child would grow up to have determination and fight. If we named our child something like Autumn or Placid, we would be hoping that our child would be calm and gentle like leaves falling from trees.
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As Jews, we have the opportunity to choose a Hebrew name for our child as well. In the Ashkenazic tradition, we generally name a baby after a deceased loved one. In the Sephardic tradition, it is customary to honor a living loved one by naming the child after him or her. In our Jewish tradition, it is this Hebrew name that is used when we are called up to the Torah and during other important or life-cycle events.
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A wonderful Jewish midrash tells us that the Israelites maintained their identity during Egyptian slavery because they were given Hebrew names. The Egyptians gave slaves Egyptian names. Even Moses was an Egyptian name, meaning "drawn from the water." But the slaves never lost their sense of identity through 420 years of oppression because they had a Hebrew name as well. Even today Jewish people live across the globe in almost every culture and have first names that are common to the countries where they live; however, having a Hebrew name as well honors our Jewish identity and binds us all together.
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Today we can choose from biblical sources or modern Israeli Hebrew names.
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Whichever tradition you follow, either Ashkenazic or Sephardic, I look forward to helping you choose a name and then to blessing your child and family as we celebrate the naming of your baby.
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Where can I have my baby naming ceremony?
Your baby-naming ceremony does not have to be in the synagogue -- as a matter of fact, it is usually done at home.
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Is it ok not to name my baby after a relative who has passed away?
Of course it is. But naming after a loved one is considered an honor and a mitzvah. However, if you choose a name that is not in honor or in memory of a loved one, consider a name that has meaning to you. For instance, you may select a name of a famous person whose virtues you admire and would like your child to emulate.
Is it ok to name after someone who died young?
According to Jewish tradition, it is customary to name after someone who lived a long life, because that is what we wish for a child. But if there is someone you would like to name after who died young, let's talk about it.
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Can I name my Jewish baby after someone who is not Jewish?
Yes, you certainly can.
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Here's a cool website where you can check out popular Amercian baby name trends over the decades or by state--
Social Security Administration
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The Comprehensive Dictionary of English & Hebrew First Names is a great book to help you find a great name for your baby.
