All About
Baby
Table Of Contents
1
A Message from The Minister of Health
2
Message from the Registrar General’s Department
3
Congratulations! You are having a baby
4
Baby Names for Boys
5
Baby Names for Girls
10
Ten Tips for Mothers and Mothers-to-be
15
Ten Tips for Fathers and Fathers-to-be
17
Registering Home Births
18
Registering Births at the Public
or Private Hospitals or Birthing Centres
19
Registration Form
20
Notes
21
Copyright © 2011 Registrar General’s Department
A message from
The Minister of Health
Since the inception of “Bedside Registration”
in January 2007, the Registrar General’s
Department (RGD) has made many strides in
ensuring that all children born in hospitals and
birthing centres are fully registered. All parents
naming their babies are given a free first copy of
the birth certificate. As a result of this initiative,
there has been an increase in birth registration
from over 95% to close to100%.
Jamaica is committed to fulfilling children’s right to an identity. The birth registration
system is vital to a state’s ability to make visible the population in its territory and to
separate it from outsiders. Every child has a right to an identity including nationality; it
is considered a fundamental human right. It is my pleasure to congratulate the RGD
for the considerable success they have achieved, with respect to civil registration in
Jamaica.
Children are a blessing to society, and parents have a responsibility to ensure that
they are provided with the basic elements of life that will help them to be successful.
Without a birth certificate, access to health services and education may be difficult.
Naming your child can be a daunting task as the options are many. It is with this in
mind that the RGD has provided its second edition of a Baby Name Book (All About
Baby), to assist parents in making their decisions. I encourage you to make use of this
book as a guide in helping you to name your child.
Hon. Rudyard Spencer, O.D.
Minister of Health
2
A message from the
Registrar General’s Department
The Registrar General’s Department (RGD) is pleased to present the second edition
of its Baby Name Booklet (All About Baby). Since the first publication in 2007, the
RGD has made several advancements in the area of civil registration.
The Bedside Registration initiative has been a tremendous success in providing
100% registration in all public and private hospitals and birthing centres. This has
also eliminated the challenge we once faced with children being registered without a
name.
The first edition of this book – which was made available to parents throughout
Jamaica – was well received. We have realized how necessary and valuable this book
has been and therefore have made a further step in providing a second edition. This
edition will provide more options with additional names of boys and girls which will
assist you in selecting a suitable name for your child.
The RGD continues to provide a free first copy of the birth certificate to each child
that is registered and named. We continue to encourage expectant parents to choose
two names (male and female) in advance, so that they can name the baby at the
bedside.
As RGD approaches another milestone, and looks forward to achieving the Vision
2030 ideal of “Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”,
we encourage parents to ensure that their child is given an identity. Investing in our
children means giving them access to certain fundamental human rights, such as the
right to a name and identity.
3
Congratulations!
You are having a baby
Babies are wonderful blessings from God. They are full of promise and filled
with potential. However, having a baby can be an overwhelming, confusing and
emotional experience since there is so much to think about once you and
your partner decide to take this big step.
As a parent, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is
choosing a name for your child. However, for many parents this can pose
quite a challenge.
While some parents are comfortable
selecting a name before their child is born,
there are others who prefer to wait until
after the baby is born before deciding on
that special name.
It may take days or even weeks before
both parents can agree on a suitable
name for their baby.
To help you find that special name,
we have prepared this booklet with a
selection of African, Biblical and English
names that you may choose from. We
have also added twenty popular names
registered at the Registrar General’s
Department for boys and girls. Also
included are tips that will help you select
that special name for your bundle of joy.
Enjoy the experience,
Registrar General’s Department
4
Baby Names for Boys
• African Boy Names and Meanings
Ajani He who wins the struggle
Asante Thank you
Amari Strength and builder
Bakari One with great promise
Chinua Blessings from God
Coffie Born on a Friday
Dakari Rejoice
Gowon Rainmaker
Hasan Good
Hasani Handsome
Imara Strength
Issa God is our salvation
Jabari Courageous
Jafari Creek
Jamal Elegance
Jamali Beauty
Jelani Mighty one
Karim Generous
Khalid Eternal
Khalil Sincere friend
Kijani Warrior
Maalik Experienced
Maliki King
Naasir Defender
Odion First of twins
Rafiki Friend
Rashad Righteous
TajiCrown
UmarLongevity
Ulan First Born Twin
Remember that names are for a lifetime
Most likely, your baby will have the name you choose for life. Try to make
sure it’s a name that your child will take pride in and happily accept as an
expression of self.
5
• Biblical Boy Names and Meanings
Aaron Enlightened
Abdel Humble
Abidan My father is judge
Abijah My father is Yahweh
Allon Oak
Asher Happy or blessed
Benjamin Son of the south
Caleb One of the only two who lived
to see the promised land
Carmi Vine
Dan He judged
Daniel God is my judge
Dathan Fountain
Darius Supporter
David Beloved
Elohim God
Emmanuel God is with us
Ethan Solid, Enduring
Gamaliel Benefit of God
Gemariah Yahweh has accomplished
Hanan Gracious
Hirah Splendour
Ishmael God will hear
Issac He laughs
Jada He knows
Jadon Thankful
Jahleel God waits
James Supplanter
Jason Healer
Javan Greece
Jemuel Day of God
Jesse A gift
Joel Yahweh is God
John Gracious gift of God
Jonathan Gift from God
Jordon The descender
Luke Bringer of light
Mathan Gift
Mathew Gift from Yahweh
Micah Who is likeYahweh
Nathan Giver
Nathanael God has given
Omar Speaker
Othneil Lion of God
Paul Humble
Peter Stone
Philip Friend
Raphael God has healed
Samuel God has heard
Simeon He who hears
Seth Appointed
Temani Right hand
Timon Honour
Uriel God is my light
Choose a name with
positive attributes
Your baby deserves a name that
conveys positive and desirable
values. Don’t choose a name that
has negative connotations such as
dullness or awkwardness. Instead,
think of names that you associate
with beauty, intelligence, affection,
strength and independence.
Be conscious of how
the name sounds
A child’s name will sound better if
the first name does not have the
same number of syllables as the
last name, for example ‘Dwright
Wright’. Practice saying the first
and last name aloud to find out
how they sound together.
6
• English Boy Names and Meanings
Addison Son of Adam
Alann Handsome
Alden Wise protector
Allan Handsome One
Alvin Noble friend
Anthony Priceless
Boris Warrior
Brendan Traveler
Brian High, Noble, Strong
Carrick Rock
Chadwick Warrior
Conroy Wise Man
Darian Wealthy
Darrell Beloved
Deandre Warrior
Deshawn God is gracious
Dillon Faithful
Ethen Endurance
Garrick Spear King
Gavin White Hawk
Haden From the Moor
Jarvis Accurate Arrow
Jerome Of Sacred Name
Justin Just
Kendrick Ruler
Konrad Bold Speaker
Kyle Handsome
Lamont Lawyer
Leon Bold Lion
Leslie Residence Name
Lionel Lion-like
Malcolm Royal Blood
Marlon Falcon
Nicholas People Triumph
Nigel Black
Norris Caretaker
Oliver Kind One
Orson Like the Bear
7
Owen Well-Born
Patrick Noble Man
Quillan Cub
Quinlan Strong
Quinn The Wise
Raymond Wise Guardian
Richard Powerful Ruler
Roland Fame of the Land
Sheldon From the steep valley
Terrell Thunder
Twain Two pieces
Vance A thresher
Avoid names with initials that spell out words
Would you name your baby Richard Alexander Thompson? Maybe, until
you saw “RAT” on a baby gift card! How about Penny Ursula Smith (PUS)?
Try to choose a name that does not spell out an unexpected word with an
unpleasant connotation.
8
Combine names to create a new name
You can combine two names to create a unique name for your baby. A
good example is Peter-John or Don-Oneil.
Top 10 Boy names registered at the RGD
Daniel
God is my judge
Jayden Jehova is heard
Joshua God rescues
Jordan Descend, Flow Down
Ricardo Strong power
Anthony Highly praise
Nathan
He (God) has given
Michael
Who is like god?
Alex Defending men
Malik King, owner
9
Baby Names for Girls
• African Girl Names and Meanings
Akilah Intelligent one who reasons
Alake One to be honoured
Ashanti Strong African woman
Ayanna Beautiful flower
Damisi Cheerful
Chinue God’s blessing
Halla Unexpected gift
Imena Dream
Jahia Prominent
Jamila Beautiful
Johanna God’s Grace
Kali Energetic
Kamili Perfection
Kia Season’s Beginning
Latifa Gentle
Layla Born at Night
Lisha Mysterious
Maisha Life
Malika Queen
Nadia Caller
Reta Shaken
Rahima Compassionate
Sadiki Believable
Samiha Noble
Serafina Burning passion
Tamasha Happy occasion
Tisha Strong willed
Zalika
Well Born
Zawadi Gift
Consider other meaningful names
A name reflecting your own ethnicity or religion or that of your partner can be a
positive way to affirm the baby’s heritage. Or perhaps you like the historical meaning
of a name that springs from a language used by your ancestors.
10
• Biblical Girl Names and Meanings
Abigail My father is joy
Anah Answer
Asenath She belongs to her father
Atarah Crown
Athalia God is exalted
Candace Queen mother
Chloe Green shoot
Damaris A little woman
Deborah Bee
Eden Place of pleasure
Esther Star
Hannah Favor, grace
Joanna Yahweh is gracious
Judith Woman of Judea
Keziah Cassia (a spice tree)
Leah Weary
Lois More desirous
Lydia Of Lydia
Michal Brook
Moriah Seen by Yahweh
Naomi Pleasantness
Noah Motion
Phoebe Pure
Rhoda Rose
Ruth Friend
Salome Peace
Sarah Princess
Sherah Kinswoman
Talitha Little girl
Tryphena Softness
Try to anticipate spelling or pronunciation problems
If it weren’t for people injecting a little creativity and originality in the process
of choosing a name, we wouldn’t have as many interesting variations as we
have now. Names with less common spellings or pronunciations should not
be automatically disqualified.
11
• English Girl Names and Meanings
Aimee Beloved
Alanna Fair
Alison Of Sacred Fame
Amanda Loveable
Anna Graceful
Bianca White
Bridget Power
Brianna Virtuous
Carissa Tender touch
Chelsea Harbour
Dominique Belonging to God
Emily Ambitious
Farrah Beautiful
Felicia Happy
Fiona Pretty
Gabrielle God’s messenger
Gale Lively
Haley Heroine
Jade Jewel
Jessica Woman of wealth
Jillian Young child
Kacey Eagle-eyed
Kyla Lovely
Kendra Wise
Kirsten Anointed One
Lacey Cheerful One
Leslie The Fortress
Leticia Joy
Maia Star
Megan Pearl
Melanie Dark-haired
Melissa Honey Bee
Monica Counselor
Nadia Hope
Natasha Born at Christmas
Nerissa Daughter of the sea
Nora Honour
Nydia Refuge or Nest
12
Odette Melody
Patricia Noble Woman
Ramona Wise Protectress
Renee Born again
Shannon Wise
Serena Serene
Samantha Listener
Tracy Fighter
Tiffany Appearance of a god
Trina Pure
Vanessa Butterfly
Veronica True Face
Yolanda Violet Flower
Should you honour a family member? It’s your choice
If you like the idea of naming your baby after a family member, then go ahead.
However, if you feel obligated to do so but secretly dislike the name then
think of an alternative. Try using the family member’s name as a middle name,
and then select one you favour more as your baby’s first name.
13
Decide whether you like the idea of a popular name
The benefits of a popular name for a child are the familiarity and ease with
which others will use a name they know and can recognize immediately.
Top 10 Girl names registered at the RGD
Brianna
Rihanna Gabrielle Ashley
Jada Tiana Abigail
Amelia
Kayla
Danielle Noble, strong, virtuous, hill
Nymph
God’s messenger
Ash wood
Precious green stone
Follower of Christ
Father in rejoicing
Work, effort, strain
Who is like God?
God is my judge
14
10 Tips for Mothers &
Mothers-to-be
1. Get prenatal care early. As soon as you think you may be pregnant, see a health
care professional for prenatal care and continue going for prenatal care during
your pregnancy. Immediate and consistent prenatal care can prevent preterm delivery, and improve pregnancy and childbirth.
2. Eat regularly, depending on your appetite, and choose from a range of foods to
ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.
3. Do not drink alcohol while you are pregnant. If you drink alcohol this can cause
permanent brain and developmental damage in the foetus.
4. Do not smoke and do not let any one smoke around your baby. Smoking reduces
the amount of oxygen that gets to your baby, affecting his growth and making him
vulnerable to infection. It also puts your baby at higher risk of still-birth or being
born premature.
5.
Exercise. Research has shown that a little exercise is good for both mother and
baby during pregnancy. Exercise boosts your immune system and provides the
circulation and energy levels needed to prepare your body for labour. Walking is a
good form of exercise.
6. B
reastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding for at least six months has significant health
benefits. Breast milk has the right combination of protein, fat, sugar and water
needed for your baby’s growth and development. Breast milk also contains antibodies to protect infants from bacteria and viruses.
7.
Fully immunize your baby. Be sure to get all vaccinations on time as this will help
to prevent diseases and death.
8. Never leave your baby unattended.
15
9.Always use a safety car seat. Remember, the best child safety seat is the
one that fits your child properly, is easy to use, and fits in your vehicle
correctly.
10. Never, ever shake your baby. Shaking a baby, even a little, may lead to
severe brain damage and death.
What’s in your bag?
Ideally, you should get your hospital bag ready with all your essentials about
two weeks before your due date.
Include:
• A front-opening night gown (easier for breastfeeding)
• Comfortable clothing (such as a track-suit and T-shirts)
• Sandals or easy-fitting footwear
• Maternity pads
• Nursing bras
• Towels
• Toiletries
• Writing materials
• Night gown and nappies for the baby
• Receivers
• Chemises/shirts
• Disposable diapers, nappies and pins
• Plastic bags for dirty clothes
• Socks and bonnet
• Wash cloths
• Blue Antenatal Record
• Blood Donor’s Slip
• Olive oil
• Drinking cup
• Disposable razors
• Hair comb
Remember, you’ll need clothing for you and your baby to travel home in,
although someone can bring these once you’ve had your baby.
16
10 Tips for Fathers &
Fathers-to-be
1.
Participate in the naming of your child. Choosing a name for your child
with the mother can be fun.
2.Help your partner stay healthy during pregnancy. If you eat right, she will
find it easier to eat right. Stay away from smoking, drugs and alcohol.
3. Talk with your partner about what you both want for your baby.
4. Learn how to feed, bathe, comfort and change your baby’s diaper.
5.
Talk to your partner and try to understand the changes that you are both
going through on becoming parents.
6. Become the most significant male figure in your child’s life.
7.Spend time with your baby. The more time you spend with them, the
more you will understand their needs and feel competent in caring for
them.
8. Get up with the baby if you can and let your partner rest.
9.If you are feeling left out, talk to your partner. Chances
are it is unintentional.
10.Assist your partner with
emotional stress by providing as
much support as possible. Men
face post partum depression too;
it is important to realize this and
gethelp if you need it.
17
Registering Home Births
What you need to know!
•W
hen your baby is born you must visit the Local District Registrar (LDR) to
register the birth.
• In the case where the parents are not married, the fathers must attend the
LDR along with the mother to register the child in order to avoid the process
of Addition of Father’s Particulars.
• If the parents are married, the LDR will complete the birth registration form
with the particulars of both parents. Take along your marriage certificate.
•B
oth the mother and the father or the informant will be asked to sign the
form. Make sure you check the information carefully before signing.
•O
nce the signing of the form is completed you will be given a Certificate
of Registry or “Pink Slip”. This is not a birth certificate but has very valuable
information such as the birth entry number, which is needed to apply for a
birth certificate
If the child was named and registered within six weeks of birth, your free first
copy of the birth certificate will be delivered within three months of registration.
18
Registering Births at the Public or
Private Hospitals or Birthing Centres
What you need to know!
The Registrar General’s Department since January 2007, conducts Bedside
Registration for each mother. Births in these facilities account for over 98%
of births in Jamaica.
• When your baby is born you must provide the birth details and other
information to the Registration Officer who is conducting the Registration.
• In the case where the parents are not married, the fathers must attend the
LDR along with the mother to register the child in order to avoid the process
of Addition of Father’s Particulars.
• If the parents are married, the Registration Officer will complete the birth
registration form with the particulars of both parents. The couple is advised
to have a copy of their marriage certificate available at the time of the baby’s
birth registration, although it is not mandatory
• Both the mother and the father or the informant will be asked to sign the
form. Make sure you check the information carefully before signing.
Once the signing of the form is completed you will be given a Certificate
of Registry or “Pink Slip”. This is not a birth certificate but has very valuable
information such as the birth entry number, which is needed to apply for a
birth certificate
If the child is named in hospital then the first free birth certificate will be
delivered within three months.
19
Registering Home Births
1. Baby’s Date of Birth: _____________________________________________________
2. Baby’s Full Name: _______________________________________________________
3. Gender: ______________________________________________________________
4. Mother’s Full Name: _____________________________________________________
5. Mother’s Maiden Name: __________________________________________________
6. Age at present: _________________________________________________________
7. Mother’s occupation: ____________________________________________________
8. Mothers Birth Place (Parish): _____________________________________________
8a. Mother’s Telephone Number: _____________________________________________
Number of children previously born to mother
9a. Alive: ____________________ 9b. Stillborn: __________________
10a. Residence: __________________________________________
10b. Town/Village: __________________________________________
10c. Parish: _______________________________________________
Father’s particulars
11. Father’s Name: _______________________________________________________
12. Age on last birthday: ___________________________________________________
13. Father’s occupation: ____________________________________________________
14. Father’s Birth Place (Parish): ______________________________________________
15. Father’s Telephone Number: ______________________________________________
Please Ensure:
(a) That you write legibly
(b) That no pet name is used
(c) That all entries are correct
(d) That this form is given to the Registration Officer in the hospitals or birthing centre
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