How important is the naming of a child?

What should Christian parents consider when naming their child?

Being married to a Sue (5th most popular name according to the Social Security Administration in her birth year) and enjoying Johnny Cash’s ‘A Boy Named Sue’ on my ipod, one might think I would know what the name means.  I just promised myself to look it up before my wife has opportunity to read this. 

Names certainly are important in various ways in the scriptures.  However there does not seem to be any direct responsibility given to parents to attach special significance to names.  In the scriptures names with meaning are assigned to give direction to that life, remind that person of truth, honor someone's memory or draw attention to the circumstances surrounding the conception and birth.  There are names that are simply given because apparently the sound of the name appeals to the parents. 

Hannah drew attention to God’s faithfulness in hearing her prayers by naming her son Samuel which sounds like the Hebrew word for 'heard of God.'  Eli's daughter-in-law named her son Ichabod - 'no glory; the glory has departed' - to remind everyone of the circumstances of death and defeat surrounding his birth.  Isaac, 'he laughs', served as a reminder to his parents of their growth in faith in God's promises and his power to fulfill them.

Jesus, 'the LORD saves', is a special name with great meaning.  Angelic assistance such as Mary had in naming her son is probably the preferred way to name your child but quite unlikely.  The subject of the names of God, believing in the name of and honoring the name of God is a productive study as well.  Proverbs 18:10 challenges us to find safety and comfort in God's name.

Sue and I named our first son Matthew Paul.  Matthew - 'a gift from God' and Paul - my fathers name.  We liked both how the name sounded, what it meant and that it honored my Dad.  Matthew died at 6 months of age and we are more convinced than ever that he in fact was a gift from our loving heavenly Father.

For more information than you will use but a helpful outline of seven categories of 'naming' found in the scriptures, check out the article on 'name' found in The New Bible Dictionary 3rd edition.  Choosing a name is a great way to keep telling a good story, reminding others of God's power and pointing a child in the direction you want them to go.  If you want your boy to be tough, consider naming him Sue.