A baby naming ceremony is a humanist or non-religious alternative to ceremonies such as christenings. The principle is conceptually similar to a civil wedding ceremony as an alternative to a religious wedding ceremony.
The purpose is to recognise and celebrate the arrival of a child and welcome him or her in the family and circle of friends. The structure often mimics that of more traditional naming ceremonies, with a formal ceremony led by a humanist celebrant in which the parents name 'guide parents', 'I-don't-believe-in-God-parents' or 'supporting adults' instead of godparents. This is often followed by a celebratory party. However, the event can take whichever form the parents (and the child, if old enough) wish.