What Name Should I Choose for My Child?

Recommended Names (arranged alphabetically. However, names of the patriarchs and matriarchs, tribes, prophets, and prophetesses are preferred above all):

Names That Should Not Be Given

(And if already given, there is no need to change them, but apply them for good according to the power of the letters of each name as detailed in the chapters of letters in this book, and then there is no need to worry at all. Only if difficulties are seen should an additional name or letter be added, such as "Dana" becoming "Dina", or a slight change in the name such as "Natali" becoming "Talia"):

Timing for Naming a Boy and a Girl

In Pirkei deRabbi Eliezer it is stated: "When Moshe was born, he was circumcised on the eighth day, and his name was called 'Yekutiel'." Thus, we see that even in ancient times, the custom among the Jewish people was to name a child on the day of the bris. It is also explained in the Zohar that Abraham's full name, with the added letter 'hei', was only given after he was circumcised. Prior to this, the letter 'hei' from the Name of Hashem could not connect with him (hence it is prudent not to announce the chosen name until the naming during the bris. Some are cautious even with the parents selecting the name in hints or writing without mentioning it by mouth until the bris). And in the book "Mevaseret Zion", it is written that the righteous Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul z"tl said that the level of soul destined to come on the Bar Mitzvah day temporarily descends at the bris when his name is mentioned.

If the newborn is ill and cannot be circumcised on the eighth day, and if the circumcision is not postponed for a long time, it is better to wait and not name him until the circumcision. As it's preferable not to name a child while he is still uncircumcised (and when praying for his recovery, one should say: 'He who blessed etc. bless the newborn son of so-and-so daughter of so-and-so'). But if the circumcision is delayed for a long time, it is written in the responsa of Maharam of Brisk to name him even though he is not yet circumcised, preferably on a day when there is a Torah reading. From then on, his name can be used in prayers for healing.

Regarding a newborn daughter, the custom is for the father to receive an aliyah to the Torah, and after the reading, the father blesses the daughter and the mother who gave birth, and names the daughter. Some do so on the closest day to the birth with a Torah reading, others wait for the upcoming Shabbat, and yet others wait until the second Shabbat after the birth. Among some communities from the East, as was more common in the past, the custom is to hold a mitzvah party to thank Hashem for the birth of a daughter (this celebration is known as "Zechut Habat"), where the eldest family member holds the baby, recites the verse from Shir Hashirim: "O My dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the cliff, show me your appearance, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your appearance is beautiful", and continues to bless the daughter and name her with this formula: "He who blessed our matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, and the prophetess Miriam, Abigail, and Queen Esther the daughter of Avichail, may He bless this dear girl, and may her name be (...) daughter of (...) with good fortune and at the time of blessing, and may she grow with health, peace and tranquility, and may her father and mother see her joy and her marriage, with sons, riches, and honor, may they flourish in old age and youth, and so may it be His will, and let us say Amen."

Certainly, those who say this formula during the aliyah should not say "this girl", since she is not present. Instead, they should say: "Bless the dear girl born to (mention the father's name)" and then continue with the naming.

It should be emphasized that the event many organize to celebrate the birth of their daughter is not just for eating, drinking, and joy alone. Rather, it is intended to thank Hashem for the good He has bestowed upon them. Therefore, it is important for the father or one of the family members present to say words of Torah and gratitude to Hashem for being granted this daughter. If the father or family member is unable to say words of Torah and thanks at the meal, the father of the daughter should prepare someone to say words of Torah and thanks to Hashem before all those gathered. Certainly, one must avoid mixed dancing and other prohibitions to ensure that no demerits are accumulated, but only merits for the child's sake in this world.

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