Naam Karan - Sikh naming ceremony

Sikhs believe that the birth of an individual is a special gift from the one universal force that Sikhs call Vaheguru / Waheguru and should therefore be celebrated.

Sikhs celebrate the birth of a child through a naming ceremony called Naam Karan. This is a special ceremony that happens at the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) or wherever a Sri Guru Granth Sahib is kept (e.g. family home). There is no timing requirement but due to a name being an important part of welcoming a child, the ceremony is usually conducted shortly after a child is born (e.g. within a few days or whenever the mother and child are able to be physically present at the ceremony).

There have been instances of Indian birth certificates being issued to Sikh babies without a name being on it due to the Naam Karan ceremony not taking place for some time (e.g. 1 month). This can result in some complications in recognising the reasons for this when seeking to engage in any administration relating to the name in Australia.

Elements of the ceremony include:

• Devotional hymns are sung, expressing gratitude and joy

• This is followed by an Ardaas, the communal prayer seeking blessings for the child's health, happiness, and the welfare of every being

• The Guru Granth Sahib (Sacred Scripture) is respectfully opened on a random page, and the verse at the top left is read aloud. This verse, known as the Hukamnama (divine command), offers spiritual guidance and wisdom for the occasion or day. Traditionally, this practice is led by a Granthi, someone who serves as a custodian and reader of the scripture.

• The letters contained with the first word of that reading decides the first letter of the child’s name

• The ceremony concludes with Anand Sahib (a hymn of joy), the sharing of Karah Parshad (a sweet offering symbolising divine blessings) and a communal meal known as Langar.

• The parents along with the gathered congregation then suggest, discuss and choose the name with a relevant announcement ensuing once the name is settled

• Sikh first names are gender agnostic.

Male and female Sikh names are differentiated by the last name of Singh (meaning Lion) or Kaur (meaning Princess). Both titles symbolise sovereignty. These surnames emerged in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh assigned them to all Sikhs to promote equality, reject caste hierarchies, and ensure women maintained independent identities.

While traditionally each Sikh only used Singh and Kaur as last names, these days they can also be used as second / middle names.

Many Sikh families will not share the same surname / last name within the family. For example, the father and son may be [First name] Singh with the mother and daughter being [First name] Kaur.

Some Sikh families now use a common surname. For example the last name Sidhu would be used as following. The males would be [First name] Singh Sidhu and females would be [First name] Kaur Sidhu.

Accordingly, Sikh children will be named as per the families wishes and may or may not align with western norms.