Naming Ceremonies

Welcome new life with Humanist Naming Ceremonies: Celebrating each new arrival in our family and community

Humanist Naming Ceremonies

Experience the joy and warmth of a Humanist Welcoming or Baby Naming ceremony, where your family's love and hopes for your child are celebrated. In a heartfelt and memorable gathering with your loved ones, you have the opportunity to publicly express your aspirations for your child's future. Each ceremony is thoughtfully personalised, designed in close collaboration with you, ensuring a truly unique and special experience.

“Naming days are so much fun. But you just have to remember, the child is always the boss.”
Eve’s naming ceremony, September 2023, in Druids Glen Hotel.
Parents Jessica and Alan. Venue: Druids Glen Resort

“Little interruptions have to be seen as the gems they are”

Photo: Colin Colleran

Venue: Tinakilly House

Frequently asked questions about Humanist Naming Ceremonies

Please note that these questions and answers are for general information purposes only. The answers are correct to the best of our belief and knowledge at the present time but are not definitive.  Different celebrants take slightly different approaches, so please speak to a celebrant if you have a particular query or concern.

  • Throughout history, in countries all over the world, ceremonies have been used to mark and celebrate important events in people’s lives. Many of us find that a formal occasion of this kind can be very significant and enjoyable.

    At a Humanist Naming/Welcoming ceremony, the parents can publicly declare their love for their child and their aspirations for the child’s future.

    You can make this declaration among family and friends in a meaningful and significant ceremony. Our ceremonies are very personal and I will work with you to put together a ceremony that is right for you and your child/children.

  • Typically you can expect a fee in the region of €225-€300 plus a contribution of €40 to the HAI.

    The amount of €40 for naming ceremonies is payable on booking the celebrant, and is a contribution to the HAI to fund its work. This includes education about humanism, advocacy, events and organisation running costs. This is separate to any deposit that may be requested by your celebrant.

    Once you have completed this payment online, the HAI will send you details of how to avail of one year free membership. This is not obligatory.

    Ceremony fees may vary from celebrant to celebrant, particularly if the venue is some distance away, as the celebrant may need to add expenses such as travel and possibly accommodation costs.

    Please note that some of our celebrants, who exceed the VAT turnover threshold set by the Revenue Commissioners, are required to charge VAT at the standard rate of 23% in addition to their fees.

  • It is a good idea to contact a celebrant to ascertain their availability before committing yourselves to a particular date. If you cannot find a celebrant based locally, then do try celebrants further away. Many celebrants are happy to travel across the country, but will charge travel expenses.

    Your celebrant will arrange a meeting with you and will be happy to consult carefully with you to ensure that the ceremony is uniquely tailored to your requirements.

  • Many people choose to hold the ceremonies in their own homes. Otherwise, they are usually held in a local hotel, community/sports centre or GAA club. Woodlands and parks are also popular locations.

  • A ceremony will typically comprise some or all of the following elements:

    An introduction and welcome

    Some words about the joys and responsibilities of being a parent and the potential of the child you are welcoming

    Some words on the importance of the support of the wider family and community

    The lighting of candles by grandparents to symbolise the two strands of the family to which the child belongs

    A declaration of commitment / vows to the child from the parent/s.

    A formal naming (often with an explanation of the child’s name/s)

    The appointment of adult sponsors/mentors/guide-parents (a secular equivalent to godparents)

    Some readings (poetry or prose or specially written words) from family and or friends or from the new guide-parents

    The giving of symbolic/personal gifts

    Music – your personal choices or maybe from a family member or guest

    A closing thank you to all those in attendance.

    A memory/scrap book for the child which attendees can sign and add comments, aspirational wishes and add drawings/photos etc.

  • Naming/Welcoming ceremonies typically take anything from 15 mins – 30 mins, it’s really up to you. Be guided by the celebrant you engage, taking account of your requirements for the day

  • Humanist Naming/Welcoming ceremonies are simple and personal occasions.

    Our ceremonies are tailored to your requirements and are non-religious, secular occasions.

    They are designed to be a positive option for those who share the same philosophical belief system as Humanists, whether you wish to call yourself a Humanist or not and even whether you are a member of any Humanist association.

    Note: Please think carefully about this choice. If you think you don’t share the same philosophy or believe in a god or the supernatural, then perhaps a Humanist ceremony is not the right choice for you.

  • One of the tenets of Humanism is tolerance for others who hold different belief systems, therefore everyone feels included during a Humanist ceremony. A Humanist Naming / Welcoming ceremony does not aim to copy a religious christening but is a simple and moving occasion in its own right.