What is Namakaranam?

In simple words, Namakaranam means naming ceremony. It is one of the 16 Samskaras mentioned in Sanatana Dharma. 

What is Samskara? 

Samskara is a word that denotes sanctifying or making perfect and preparing self for life’s journey and purpose. It is also referred to as rites of passage.

What are the 16 Samskaras?

1. Garbhadhana - Prayers made by the couple to attain the wealth and blessing of progeny.

2. Pumsavana - Prayers offered to celebrate the first kick of the baby signifying a well-nurtured fetus. This samskara is done with an intent to strengthen the womb

3. Simantonnayana/ Seemanta - This is a prayer made to wish healthy development of the womb and a peaceful and safe delivery for the mother.

4. Jatakarma - This is done after the baby is delivered. After bearing her baby for 9 months and delivering, this samskara introduces the baby to its father. Father welcomes the baby into the world.

5. Namakarana - Ceremony of naming a child.

6. Nishkramana - This is a prayer offered when the baby steps out of the home for the very first time and greets the world

7. Annaprashana - The very first-time baby bites into solid food is celebrated in this samskara. Prayers are offered seeking blessing for the baby.

8. Chudakarana/Chuolam/Mundanam - Marks the first haircut for the child. 

9. Karnavedha - The first ornamentation for the child by piercing its ear. 

10. Vidyarambha/Asharabhyasa - The first learning. Celebrates a child’s first attempt to learn and know. 

11. Upanayana - Literally means - ‘taking closer to’ a guru, teacher, or source of knowledge. This is the beginning of formal education. 

12. Vedarambha - Prayers offered when the child seeks to learn Vedas and their essence from the Guru.

13. Keshanta/Ritusiddhi - The coming of age ceremony for the child.

14. Samavartana/Snataka - Graduation ceremony

15. Vivaha & Vratas - Marriage ceremony

16. Antyeshti - The last rites performed after death.

When is Namakranam performed?

Usually performed on the 11th day after birth.

Who has the right to name the child?

According to early texts in Rig Veda, the mother, and father of the child have the final say in naming their baby. This can however be done in consultation with elders and Guru in the family.

According to Rigvediya Brahma Karma Samuchaya, 

1. Mother and father propose the child’s name, and the purohits and the brahmins who facilitate the ceremony bless the name.

2. Then the child’s name is written as the devotee of the presiding deity of the family. This is a practice to invoke the blessings of the family’s presiding deity and thereby making the child a part of the dharmic family system.

What name can parents propose for a child?

There are numerous and divergent guidelines for parents to choose a name. A general rule of thumb can be as follows:

· Name affiliated with a deity (Kula Devata, Ishta devata)

· Ancestral name (Name of grandfather, grandmother etc.)

· Names based on aspiring good qualities and virtues (Bravery, Truth etc.)

· Names based on characters symbolic of great deeds (Harishcandra, Rama, etc.)

· Names based on elements of nature (Trees, flowers, birds etc.)

· Names based on birth stars

· Names from ancient literature, Puranas, Itihasas, Upanishads

· What names to avoid?

· Names denoting a negative meaning or sentiment

· Names of negative characters in mythology

· Unpleasant names

· Inauspicious names

· Names (words) that can be easily misinterpreted

· Words that do not mean anything

How many names can a child have?

Rigvediya Brahma Karma Samuchaya opines that a child can have 4 names:

· One as per parent’s choice

· One as per astrological readings of a birth-chart

· One as per the name prescribed during Upanayana (or formal name used in school) 

· One as per the wish of near and dear (Vyavahaarika or Pet name)

Can a name be changed later in one’s life?

In Sanatana Dharma, every ceremony or samskara is done at a certain age invoking blessings from the Universe. The Veda mantras are said to sanctify each samskara with vows and promises filled with gratitude. They act as wonderful reminders of the duty towards one’s life and purpose. Bearing this in mind, it is recommended to retain the name as an act of gratitude and respect.

Can the name be shortened?

It is understandable that shorter hindu baby names are preferable. The Shastras allow for four different names. Instead of shortening one’s name, it might be a prudent to have a Vyavahaarika/pet name for the child. This name is usually short and easy to pronounce, yet carries profound meaning.