Naming ceremonies: how families name a baby
Namakaran, Aqiqah, Naam Karan and christening, explained.
Most Hindu families name a baby at the Namakaran ceremony, often on the 11th or 12th day after birth, choosing a name that starts with the sound of the baby's nakshatra pada. Muslim families often name the baby on the seventh day with the Aqiqah, Sikh families take the first letter from the hukamnama at the gurdwara, and many Christian families announce the name at baptism.
Namakaran, step by step
- 1
Find the nakshatra and pada
The priest reads the baby's birth details (date, time and place) to find the nakshatra and its quarter (pada). Each pada has a starting sound — see names by nakshatra for all 27 and their syllables.
- 2
Shortlist names with that sound
Families pick names that begin with the syllable and have a meaning they love. The syllable also fixes the moon sign — browse names by rashi.
- 3
The ceremony
After a puja, often to Ganesha and the family deity, the father or an elder whispers the chosen name into the baby's right ear. In many homes the name is also written on a plate of rice or grain, and the baby is blessed by the family.
- 4
Everyday name and formal name
Some families give a formal name based on the nakshatra and a different everyday name. Both are common and neither is wrong.
Naming in other traditions
What happens at an Islamic naming (Aqiqah)?
In many Muslim families the baby is named and the Aqiqah is held on the seventh day after birth: the adhan is often whispered in the baby's ear, the head may be shaved, and an animal is sacrificed with the meat shared with family and those in need. Names with good meanings and names of prophets are favoured.
How are Sikh babies named?
In the Sikh Naam Karan, the family goes to the gurdwara, the Guru Granth Sahib is opened at random and the first letter of the first word of the hukamnama (the verse read) gives the first letter of the name. Boys traditionally take Singh and girls Kaur.
Is a christening the same as a naming ceremony?
In many Christian families the name is announced at baptism or christening, often in the first months, when godparents are also named. Saints' and biblical names are traditional, though any name can be given.
Questions parents ask
When is the Namakaran ceremony done?
Many Hindu families hold Namakaran on the 11th or 12th day after birth, once the period of rest after the birth ends. Others choose another auspicious day in the first months, or the first birthday. The family priest usually picks the date from the baby's birth chart.
How is the first letter of a baby's name chosen in Hindu tradition?
The moon's position at birth gives the baby's nakshatra (birth star) and its pada (quarter). Each pada has a sound, such as 'Chu' for the first pada of Ashwini, and many families choose a name beginning with that sound. The nakshatra also sets the rashi (moon sign).
Find a name: Hindu names · Muslim names · Sikh names · Christian names · festival names
Customs differ between families, regions and communities. Your family priest, imam, granthi or minister is the best guide for your own ceremony. Last updated 9 November 2026.