Baby naming and ceremonies

By Kate Calvert

The complete lowdown on naming your baby

The following extract is taken from Harden's London Baby Book 2002/03 by Kate Calvert and reproduced by kind permission.

Registering the birth Choosing a name Announcing the birth Ceremonies

1. Registering a birth
All births, including stillbirths, must be registered within 42 days at the Registry Office of the district where the child was born. If this is difficult for any reason you can go to another registry office in England or Wales which will then forward the information. Offices generally run on an appointment basis, so it is advisable to call ahead.A short copy certificate is issued free of charge showing the baby's forenames and surname, sex, date of birth and district of birth. A full copy of the birth certificate detailing the parents is available for an extra fee. It will be more expensive if you want to obtain this at a later date.

Who needs to attend?Married parents - If the parents are married, either the mother or father can register the baby.
Unmarried parents - If the parents are not married, the father's details can only be entered in the register and/or the baby be given a different surname from the mother's, if the father attends the registration with the mother.
If the father is unable to attend, he can make a statutory declaration confirming he is the father and the mother should then produce this document for the registrar. Copies of the appropriate form for this can be obtained from any registrar. If the mother is unable to attend the office with the father then together they can make a statutory declaration confirming the name of the father, which the father should then produce for the registrar.If unmarried parents subsequently marry, the birth must be re-registered.
Making a correction or change
Corrections and amendments (including a change of mind regarding your child's forename) to a birth certificate may be made for the first twelve months of your baby's life. Write to the Corrections & Re-registration Section of the General Registry Office.

Useful contacts
Family Records Centre, (0151) 471 4800. This London office can also provide duplicate birth certificates: full certificate £6.50; priority service £22.50. Available by phone, or just turn up. Hours Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-5pm; Tue 10am-7pm; Thu 9am-7pm; Sat 9.30am-5pm.