According to Kabbalah, the world was created from the speech of G-d, and words have a tremendous power that cannot be underestimated. Therefore, naming a new baby is a large responsibility, since it is believed that names express and reflect a person’s character. The impact of names on one’s mazal (fortune) and traits is so profound, that those who become seriously ill sometimes take on an extra name to change their luck. Therefore, many parents, when faced with choosing a name, do so with the utmost care.
According to the great Jewish mystic, Rabbi Isaac Luria, “When a person is born and a father and mother give him a name…the Holy One puts into their mouth the particular name required for that soul.” However, this does not mean that the right name is always so clear. True, the name that is intended for the child comes out at the right time, during a brit or a girl’s naming ceremony, but there may be disagreements beforehand. When this occurs, it is usually solved by alternating between the father’s and the mother’s choosing the name for their children.
It is the custom to name a child after a relative. Jews from Northern and Central Europe (Ashkenazim) avoid naming children after living relatives, while Jews from Spain or the Middle East (Sephardim) give their children names of relatives who are alive as a special honor. Many have the custom of naming their children after holy people or great rabbis. Others like certain names, such as “Chaim” (life), “Simcha” (Joy) or “Tova” (good) because of their positive associations.
It is important for both the father and the mother to agree on the name. If a father and a mother cannot reach an agreement, it is a good idea to go to a rabbi. Often conflicts arise because there may people on both sides of the family who want an infant to be named after a relative. These conflicts should be settled as soon as possible and not at the last minute. A compromise can often be worked out which pleases all of those involved.