ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of names by considering names and naming rites from a variety of traditions. Western style and Eastern style naming patterns vary somewhat and for a variety of reasons. Within the educational system it is considered desirable that all children should be treated with human dignity, yet often the issue of children’s names is trivialised. The term rite of passage is usually given to those major stages in life ranging from birth, through initiation and marriage to death. In general there are three Asian naming systems reflecting the three principal religious groups, namely Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. Westernising influences and legal requirements have altered practice somewhat so that the British naming system is often used in official records of Asians. The chapter explains Christian birth and naming ceremonies, Hindu names and naming ceremonies, Islamic names and naming ceremonies, Jewish names and naming ceremonies, and Sikh names and naming ceremonies.
