Once you get married, children are sure to follow for most couples. With children, comes the task of naming your baby. The name chosen for your child/children will stick with them for the rest of their life. Few people go through the legal process of officially changing their name. Most stick with what they have been given or choose a nickname.

Naming your child is an important task. A name has meaning. It has depth and history. As well, it helps to shape your child’s future. Every time your child’s name is spoken, the meaning and significance of that name is proclaimed over that child.  For example – the names Isaac and Hasin both mean laughter. Every time the name Isaac is spoken, laughter and a merry heart are spoken over Isaac and Hasin.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1 (NIV translation)

1. When choosing a name for your new bundle of joy, choose a name that has lasting meaning to you and your family heritage. It may or may not be a popular name at the time. Popular names will come and go. On the other hand a name that has meaning to your family is everlasting whether it is popular or not.

2. When choosing a name choose with purpose. Will he be a junior? Is she named after her maternal grandmother? Is it a name that rings of strength or beauty each time you hear it?

3. Choose with resolution. Know why you are choosing a certain name. Be clear in the reason. Pray and seek clarity if you are unsure. Do you want traditional, unique, ethnic, something that follows family tradition or a name that honors someone in history or your family lineage?

For many generations there has been a family naming tradition for all of the male babies on my husband’s side of the family. All of the male children have the same initials.

My name, Deborah, means honey bee and it finds its origin in Greek and Israeli cultures. In biblical history Deborah was a judge and a prophetess. It is a name my parents choose because they felt strongly that I should have a biblical name. I am the only one of the three children who received a biblical name. That small bit of history regarding my name has value. It caused me to research the biblical person Deborah to see what type of life she lived. It created conversation with my mother, to ask why I was given this name. I looked into the Israeli culture to see if there was significance to this meaning “honey bee”. My name like your name is a source of identify.

The same with your children. Their name will be a source of humble pride because it identifies who they are as a person. It is their moniker and marking. The name you choose for your child may or may not be a name of their liking. At any rate, let it be a name that is chosen with great consideration and humbleness of heart.

BMWK family how do you choose a name for your children?