A christening or a baptism are fairly similar. They are religious ceremonies, welcoming a person into the Christian church. In most churches a christening refers to a ceremony done at infancy, although some (like the catholic church) refer to this as a baptism. Baptism is also the name for the ceremony when an older child or adult makes the decision to join the church.

A naming ceremony is a non religious ceremony to celebrate the birth of your child with family and friends. Many people prefer this is they have no religious beliefs, as they are celebrating their child and not the joining of the Christian faith. It can be held anywhere you like, and you can have any special words, poems or symbolism that you feel reflects you and your child.