Humanist Naming Ceremonies have taken the place of traditional baptism or similar religious rites for the non-religious who still want to celebrate the arrival of a new family member. Some of the customary elements are often chosen, such as naming the infant or child, perhaps planting a tree or passing a lighted candle amongst the participants. As with other Humanist Ceremonies, nothing is mandatory and the venue can be anywhere. A much favoured location is the family’s own garden, preferably in temperate weather conditions.

The age-old custom of having ‘god-parents’ can lead to much discussion. Various non-religious alternatives have been tried. Perhaps the time has come to drop this particular custom.

Of course, there is no legal requirement to hold a naming ceremony. For official purposes, all that is obligatory is the civil registration of the birth, usually at a Register Office within a stipulated period following birth. A naming ceremony, if there is one, normally follows some time after the official registration.

As for other Humanist Ceremonies, a Humanist Celebrant will want to charge a fee and this will be agreed in advance between the invited celebrant and the parents or whoever else is organizing the naming ceremony.

The British Humanist Association publishes a useful guide to non-religious baby naming ceremonies:
New Arrivals, by Jane Wynne Willson and Robert Ashby.