Naming A Sikh Baby

My brother has just been blessed with a Prince!

He has been the Gurdwara, done the ardas and got the Hukumnama (??) for naming the child. He's got the alphabet to begin the child's name with.

This alphabet is the same as his (the father) own name. We'd like the child to be named the same name as his father (like XXX Sr for the father and XXX Jr for the son).
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/questions-and-answers/30193-naming-a-sikh-baby.html

Is this allowed in Sikh faith?

Appreciate an early response as we have only a few more days to reguster the baby and name him. Thank you.
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Welcome bhaikhalsasingh ji

What you are asking is not typical of how a Sikh baby is named. The Sikh Rehat Maryada has laid this out in Chapter 11, section a. And I have copied it below for you.

Chapter 11
Ceremonies pertaining to Birth and Naming of Child
Article XVII
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30193
(a) In a Sikh’s household, as soon after the birth of a child as the mother becomes capable of moving about and taking bath (irrespective of the number of days which that takes), the family and relatives should go to a gurdwara with Karah Parshad (sacred pudding) or get Karah Parshad made in the gurdwara and recite in the holy presence of the Guru Granth Sahib such hymns as “parmeshar ditta banna” (Sorath M. 5), “Satguru sache dia bhej” (Asa M. 5)) that are expressive of joy and thankfulness. Thereafter if a reading of the holy Guru Granth Sahib had been taken up, that should be concluded. Then the holy Hukam (command) should be taken. A name starting with the first letter of the hymn of the Hukam (command) should be proposed by the granthi (man in attendance of the holy book) and, after its acceptance by the congregation, the name should be announced by him. The boy’s name must have the suffix “Singh” and the girl’s, the suffix “Kaur”.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30193



After that the Anand Sahib (short version comprising six stanzas) should be recited and the Ardas in appropriate terms expressing joy over the naming ceremony be offered and the Karah Parshad distributed.


In reality more than one name will be obvious to all in relation that one letter. So family and friends in attendance can discuss and pick.

More details about Sikh ceremonies at this link Sikhism - Sikh Rehat Maryada

Well,Well,well.
Did Guru Arjan Dev JI spend so much time and energy compiling, ,editing and setting to music Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji so we could find names for our children?
THIS IS SHEER SUPERSTITION AND RITUALISM AND ABSOLUTELY AGAINST THE TEACHINGS OF OUR GREATEST GURU, GURU NANAK.

Hi, thanx for the quick response.

Firstly, I do not know why you say its "not typical" ... is it the order in which the ardas, hukumnama, etc were written by me? My ignorance.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30193
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30193

MY QUESTION however is ... having got the 'initial' by the granthi ... it happens to be the same as the initial of the father's name .... NOW, can we name the child with the same name??

ie is it ok to have father & son named the same, eg Malkit Singh (father) and Malkit Singh (son) ????

jasbirkaleka ji

Let us separate facts from opinions here. The Sikh Rehat Maryada was crafted as the code of conduct which most follow. Please do not castigate this document as superstitution. Read it first. Then you will notice how time and again the Sikh Rehat Maryada warns against superstitions.

I know that your own personal journey into Sikhi has taken you down a path that challenges many of the beliefs that have held sway since the SRM was crafted. That is your choice.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30193

But please hold your fire and don't empty all the bullets in your gun before you have taken the time to put things into context. The SRM is still the code of conduct. It has not been repealed, though Sant Samaaj would like to see that happen.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30193

We have had this discussion before when you found me short on what counts. In the end you had to take back your words.

First make it clear that you object to the Sikh Rehat Maryada, then tell us why, then give your alternative explanation.

Hmmm, Jasbir ji .... what do U mean? That we should not get the name from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji ?? Then how?? Pleae enlighten me ... and QUICK ... we have to register the child soon.

I see. You had already been to gurdwara for this ceremony. I misread that part. When I read your post it sounded like you were discussing a name in advance. If I have confused matters, please forgive. I was trying to say -- that the letter is drawn first and then the name is selected through discussion.

Yes Narayanjot ...
We've done all the 'right' way (except Sardar Jasbir may find it unnecessary ... anyway, its done!).

My question is simply this :::: can a Sikh boy take his father's name as his own too?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30193
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30193
(eg Malkit Singh son of Malkit Singh). In daily usaged the "son of ...." would not come into play.

bhaikhalsasingh ji

I am sorry I missed that originally and we have come full circle. I feel bad about that. My understanding is that culturally one does not give a baby the name of the father. More often, if it is to be a family name, a grandfather, or uncle from a different generation. As you can see the SRM does not prohibit it.