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22 Readings for a Baby Naming Ceremony

celebrant readings for a naming ceremony

The best poems and readings for a Baby Naming Ceremony

Planning a baby naming ceremony is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate your child’s arrival in a way that reflects your family’s values and hopes for the future. One of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony is choosing readings that capture the joy, love, and dreams you have for your little one. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, spiritual, or modern, the perfect reading can bring warmth and emotion to the day.

When planning your ceremony, don’t hesitate to ask your naming celebrant for their favourite poems and readings. Celebrants often have a wealth of experience and suggestions, drawing from a range of sources to make your ceremony even more special. The right words can truly bring your celebration to life.


Who Does the Readings at a Naming Ceremony?

You have plenty of options when it comes to who should deliver the readings at your naming ceremony. Many parents choose to read a special poem or passage themselves, which can add a personal and heartfelt touch to the ceremony. However, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to involve other loved ones. Family members and guideparents (or godparents) are often honoured to take part in the ceremony by reading a meaningful passage.

If you’re unsure or prefer not to do the reading, your celebrant will be more than happy to step in. Celebrants are experienced at delivering readings with the right tone and emotion, ensuring that the chosen words resonate with your guests. Let your celebrant know your preferences, and they will seamlessly include the reading in the ceremony.


Personalised Reading Ideas from Your Celebrant

If you’re unsure where to begin when choosing the right reading or poem, don’t worry—your celebrant is there to help! Naming celebrants are experts at crafting personalised, meaningful ceremonies and can suggest a variety of readings to suit your family’s style, beliefs, and the tone you want to set for the day. Whether you’re looking for a traditional reading, a spiritual blessing, or something modern and playful, your celebrant can guide you towards the perfect selection.

Ready to plan a memorable naming ceremony? Search our directory for your perfect celebrant and start creating a ceremony that reflects the joy and love of welcoming your child into the world.


Best Readings for a Baby Naming Ceremony

Here are some of the best readings to consider for your baby’s naming ceremony, ranging from religious and spiritual to modern, non-religious options. We’ve included a variety of readings for boys, girls, and gender-neutral options to suit any family.

Religious Readings

Jeremiah 29:11 (Bible, Christian) “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This passage expresses the belief that every child is born with a divine purpose and a hope-filled future, making it ideal for a naming ceremony in a Christian context.

Psalm 127:3-4 (Bible, Christian) “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”
This reading highlights the blessing of children, reinforcing how cherished daughters (or sons) are within the family.

Isaiah 49:16 (Bible, Christian) “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
This powerful image of protection and belonging is a beautiful way to express the sacred bond between parent and child.


Spiritual Readings

Native American Blessing
“May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.”
This blessing is serene and gentle, perfect for celebrating the beauty and potential of a child as they begin their life.

Hindu Blessing
“May all beings regard you with friendliness, may the thoughts of all beings be kindly and auspicious toward you. May all your efforts be successful.”
This Hindu blessing embodies a wish for universal love, peace, and success, suitable for any child regardless of gender.


Modern, Non-Religious Readings

From Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
This simple yet profound quote from Winnie the Pooh offers a heartfelt message of encouragement and belief in a boy’s limitless potential. Read the full reading

From Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
Dr. Seuss’ beloved book offers an uplifting message about the adventures of life. This reading is one of our favourites.


celebrant reading poem at a baby naming ceremony

Popular Poems for Naming Ceremonies

Here are some popular choices for naming ceremonies, complete links to the full text:

  1. “A Prayer for My Daughter” by W.B. Yeats
    “I have walked and prayed for this young child an hour / And heard the sea-wind scream upon the tower…”
    Read the full poem
  2. “On Children” by Kahlil Gibran
    “Your children are not your children. / They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.”
    Read the full poem
  3. “Welcome to the World” by Lucy Tapper
    “The sun has come out, the sky’s shining bright, / Welcome to the world, it’s a magical sight.”
    Read the full poem
  4. “If” by Rudyard Kipling
    “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster / And treat those two impostors just the same.”
    Read the full poem
  5. “I’ll Be There” by Louise Cuddon
    “I’ll be there, my darling, through thick and through thin, / When your mind’s in a mess and your head’s in a spin.”
    Read the full poem
  6. “Child of the Universe” by Max Ehrmann (from Desiderata)
    “You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; / You have a right to be here.”
    Read the full poem
  7. “A Newborn’s Conversation with God” (Anonymous)
    “A baby asked God, ‘They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?’”
    Read the full poem
  8. “The Time is Now” by Patrick Lindsay
    “Cherish this moment / For happiness is here — now / It’s all around you.”
    Read the full poem
  9. “Legacy of Love” (Unknown)
    “A legacy of love, passed down through generations / A gift of compassion, wisdom, and patience.”
    Read the full poem
  10. “Roots and Wings” by Denis Waitley
    “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
    Read the full poem
  11. “Before You Came” by Faiza Al-Ammari
    “Before you came, I could see the world in front of me, / but the moment you arrived, you became my world.”
    Read the full poem
  12. “The Child” by Rabindranath Tagore
    “Where have I come from, where did you pick me up? / the baby asked its mother.”
    Read the full poem
  13. “A Wish for You” (Unknown)
    “A wish for you, dear baby, as you grow strong and true / May joy and laughter follow you in all you say and do.”
    Read the full poem
  14. “Daughter” by Florence Earle Coates
    “What will you be, O child of mine, / Child quick with love, heart-warm and fine?”
    Read the full poem
  15. “Your Personal Penguin” by Sandra Boynton
    “I like you a lot, you’re funny and kind. / So let me explain what I have in mind.”
    Read the full poem

These poems and readings offer a range of tones and styles to suit any type of naming ceremony. Whether you’re looking for something heartfelt, uplifting, spiritual, or playful, the right words will add depth and meaning to your celebration.

Ready to Create a Beautiful Naming Ceremony?

Now that you’ve gathered inspiration for the perfect readings and poems, it’s time to find a celebrant who can help bring your vision to life. The right celebrant will guide you through the process, offering personalised suggestions to make your child’s naming ceremony truly unique and memorable. Search our Celebrant Directory to find someone who understands your style and can help create an unforgettable, heartfelt event for your child!

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