Made-up names reflecting topicality and celebrity culture are big in some parts of the world, for example, Briella, a US hit in 2011—though daughters are more often recipients then sons.
Boys’ names tend to remain stable. William has been in the top 20 US names for over a century, although there are changing trends: once neglected Old Testament figures such as Jacob, Elijah, and Noah have enjoyed a surge in popularity recently, challenging previously popular New Testament names such as Matthew, Mark, and Luke, more commonplace in the 20th century.
In some countries, parents select from a state-approved list. Denmark’s Law on Personal Names gives 7,000 standard names. Parents can seek permission for another name through the church, and the case is investigated by officials. Sometimes a name arrives at birth.
Eskimo birth attendants recite names as the child is pushed out: the infant “chooses” his name by appearing when called. Luo babies in Kenya stop crying when “their” name is recited. In Ghana, a child takes a temporary “birth” name of the day of the week; and the elements of a Chinese name can reflect the hour, day, month, and year, connecting an infant with his horoscope.
A naming ceremony offers families a chance to gather and renew ties. Regardless of spiritual heritage, this is a time for new beginnings and hope. Some parents create custom ceremonies, appropriating customs from different traditions and starting new ones.
In a “baby-wish whisper,” each person whispers to the baby what they would wish her to take through life: a loving disposition, appreciation of music, gentleness, and so on. Attendees may give a personal name, as is common in Nigeria and Ghana, or chant a song with the name, as in Hindu naming ceremonies, or for the Saami people, blessed by parents with a “joik” or “acoustic symbol” personal to their life.
Sharing a feast, giving a name, and wishing a child health, long life, and prosperity, entwines lives and enfolds the new babe into family and community.
