Rules for Naming Babies

Religious and Cultural Rules

Religious naming rules sometimes are confining for new parents. Consult a rabbi, priest or pastor to determine if the naming rule is a mandate or a common practice. According to author Smadar Shir Sidi, the Hebrew name selected is the foundation of the child's identity. Some Jewish parents also choose a second name for everyday usage or a name to honor a deceased relative. If the deceased's name is not directly chosen, the new name may begin with the same first letter to ensure that the person is remembered by subsequent generations. Discuss religious and cultural rules with extended family to understand reasons behind practices.

The names listed on U.S. birth certificates are regulated by the individual states. Some hospitals, particularly those with religious affiliations, may refuse to record an unusual name on a hospital birth certificate. Many churches will not baptize a child with objectionable names. If the selected name is not listed on the Social Security file (see Resources), consult the county registrar where the birth will take place to guarantee the name will be legally recorded.

Traditions, such as naming a male child with Junior, III or IV, may place additional pressure on parents to select a given name. Tradition has the elder name using the "Senior" designation and the newborn "Junior" after the given name. If this is unacceptable, consider using the name in question on the birth certificate, but creating a different name that will be used in everyday life. Using an everyday name will require the child to continually correct and make allowances to ensure the legal name is avoided. The child may even later decide that the name is appropriate and begin using the legal name.

Babies born in the United States routinely take the surname of the father. Many states recognize the right of the mother to use her maiden name as the baby surname, requiring the child's surname to match either the mother or father's legal name, but this may not be true of religiously operated hospitals.

The state legal authority is the final arbiter of legal documents, but if a hospital birth certificate is desired, confirm the surname choice prior to the birth. If taking the mother's surname is a cultural requirement or unusual name is selected, it is wise to have this approved by the county registrar prior to the birth. These requests may require a court appearance to be finalized.