How to get a monk to name a child

The number of children born to married couples is different in the past and now, and the probability that a child born will become an adult is also different.

So in the past, when thinking about each child's name, they probably didn't think too much about it and said “Ichiro, Jiro, Saburo...” or “Sueyoshi” because they were already the youngest children, or asked the priest or chief priest.

The number of children between married couples is small now, so there are names that seem too eccentric, but I think this is the result of hard work.
However, there are also strange names that are particular about sound, use characters with not very good meanings, or combine phonetic reading.

Even now, of course, I think they'll name it if you ask. You'd be surprised without an appointment, so why not contact them first. Also, since it's the name of an important child, it would be good to have a reliable chief priest whom you have a close relationship with.

If I were asked to, I'd like to think about it with my parents.
We are waiting for you (^_^)

The cellar melody

Nice to meet you.
I would like to express my opinion in response to the question.

We believe that naming children is very important.
When I see a name somewhere, it becomes an adult in particular
The name doesn't represent the body, but I feel like the name fits.
I want people around me to become that kind of person
Conversely, it would be difficult to become that person, etc.
It might be a good idea to use it as a reference for what kind of children you want them to grow up to.

As Mr. Urakami also said, I think there are temples that are possible even now.
If there is someone who would definitely like this person to take care of it, why not make an inquiry.

If you don't mind in Toyama, I'll think of a name suitable for reference, such as your parents' names.
We look forward to seeing you.
Gassho

　Nice to meet you. My name is Watanabe Motojyo.

First of all, I am very happy when someone asks me to do it. Monks do nothing but profit. Of course, I would like you to be welcomed at either temple without an appointment, but by law it may be within 2 weeks after birth, and of course before birth, I recommend that you meet a monk that you can trust and work hard to come up with a name together as soon as possible.

This year marks 10 years since I was the director of a kindergarten and preschool, and I have welcomed and sent close to 1000 children at entrance and graduation ceremonies held in the main hall of the temple. When the names of the children are called out loud at the ceremony, they say “Yes!” It always comes back in a loud voice. No matter what kind of sparkling name the name you call is, “Yes!” Both eyes of the parents watching over their child who answered are sparkling.
All names are “given by people who were born earlier,” but I actually want all names to be “something that came to mind from a famous person” wrapped in parents' deep wishes.
However, it seems that it is a modern naming situation that unusual names stand out so much that they are conscious of names and kanji that are different from people no matter what. It is supposed to be the parents' [deep wish for their child], but it may be that [the desire to be a proud parent with an unprecedented name] has prevailed, as if naming a nameless star that no one has discovered yet.

Well, I think the chief priests of temples are basically good at naming things. In Buddhism, when it comes to names, there are dharma names and commandments, and although they are widely spread in the world as “the name of the person who died,” they are originally names given during life. In the Otani school of the Shinshu sect, the ceremony for awarding the name of the Dharma is called a “kikyoshiki (devotion ceremony),” and the chief priest sometimes names (selects) the Buddhist name of the parishioner. Until now, I have also selected the legal names of 14 people.
Since the name of the Dharma is a Buddhist disciple (nanori), it is “a name for a person who conveys Buddhism to those with whom you have a relationship in your social life.” The chief priest of the temple who names it is also the duty of capturing that person's wishes, selecting characters, and naming them.

I've just become a parent myself, so I haven't named someone else's child yet, but if we have such a relationship, I'd like to work hard to worry about it together and enjoy that time together.

Hello Melody from the basement.

It's been quite a while since the question was asked, and I will answer it.

I think it's important to “face each other sincerely” with the people you meet, both as a human being and as a monk.
As for requesting the name of your question, as others answered, it should “be possible.” However, I think it would be a good idea to consult with them first. This is because they are busy, there are no days, and there are conditions.
Either way, I think I'm thankful for that. I'm sure they'll ask you for a consultation.

Now, I'll add names, how I think about actually naming them...

I will be happy to discuss it. However, in the end, I think “it's good for us to decide for ourselves.”
This is because if you think about the biggest irregularity, you can blame that person.

When you think about actually naming it,
Why are you naming it? did you put it on? ... I'm going to think about the meaning of that act.
I wonder why they chose this name... The parent's life, momentum, everything is probably about what rank the child is.
I'll think of it as a name in response to that feeling.

They say “a name represents a body,” but I also think that person's life is a journey where you make yourself fit that name.
That's why parents name it, and I think it means that the work of naming oneself with the name given to oneself is a living thing.

So wouldn't you recommend adding too much meaning, or limiting it?
(Example: I named it “***” because I wanted to be successful as a doctor, become rich, and make us feel better)
Is it about a “mission” or a “vision” about wanting them to grow up to be good children and become great people?
Whether you look at it too much or if you look at it vaguely will naturally follow the image of the couple.

Of course, you can decide by sound or character. Also, think about the meaning.
Names can be changed, and it might be nice to have a good name. The bottom line is that I am thankful that a new life has been born and that I live on.

If it's a temple that receives prayers for safe delivery, I think it's okay if you don't have an appointment. However, since you really can't ask them to “turn it on right now,” I think they will make an appointment in advance as a result. Previously, at the temple in Ibaraki prefecture I visited, the names of babies named by the chief priest there were all over the entrance. It seems that those who have prayed for safe delivery will be asked to name it as it is.
As the respondents have answered so far, I would like to actively accept it, but please be aware that in order to do so, a souvenir saying “Please live your daily life as a disciple of the Buddha” will be included.

I think there are many opinions about sparkling names, but aren't the monk names of the ancestors of each denomination, historical figures, etc. a pretty seamless line from this day and age (^^;)?
My child's name is fine, my sense isn't out of place, and maybe that overconfidence is sparkling...
What is important is not to use the baby as a parent's property or a tool for complacency, but rather to recognize the baby as a single personality.