My Personal Celebrant – Séamus Cahalan

Naming Ceremonies

As a humanist naming celebrant, I feel that I bring a rich tapestry of life experiences to this role.

I have a long background in education, public speaking, music, and theatre that I feel allow me to craft ceremonies that are not only meaningful but also engaging and memorable.

As a proud father and grandfather, I understand the profound joy and significance of welcoming a new child into the world.

The service that I offer:

  • Custom-designed naming ceremonies that reflect the family’s beliefs and wishes.
  • Incorporation of music and theatrical elements to enhance the ceremony.
  • Assistance with writing personalized vows, selecting meaningful readings, and incorporating symbolic acts.
  • Coordination with family members and friends to ensure their active participation.
  • Rehearsal planning and on-the-day coordination to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • Provision of keepsake scripts and certificates for the family.


My approach to naming ceremonies is deeply personal and inclusive. I believe that every ceremony should reflect the unique spirit of the child and the values of the family. Drawing my background and life experience I like to incorporate elements of music, storytelling to create ceremonies that are both touching and entertaining.

Humanism is a democratic and ethical lifestance which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives.

It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethics based on human and other natural values.

We were instantly put at ease…

We wanted to celebrate the birth of our baby boy with our family our family but didn’t really know how to go about it.

Once we met Séamus, we were instantly put at ease. He talked us through all our options and what he thought would suit us best. Together we created a naming ceremony that was perfect for us. The day itself couldn’t have gone any better.

Our families were amazed at how personal it was. Séamus even included them in the ceremony, which made it even more special.

Karl & Rebecca