A name, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote to a believer who asked about changing his, has no importance of its own, for a name must have a bearer who deserves it. A man may carry the name of a bright star and still sit in darkness, while one whose name is obscure may shine like the morning. That thread runs through every naming He bestowed: a child called Beauty is prayed for so that she may become beautiful in all conditions, a man named Bahram or Abbas is told that the star or the lion must now show itself in his deeds, and a daughter named for the Sun is given with the hope that all around her become lamps. Names also carry memory, of a grandfather, a late grandmother, an old friend, a martyr. Luke’s account of the naming of John, where family custom meets a different calling, offers a kindred scene [1]. Reading each of these personal instructions with its own recipient in view opens the larger question of how a life gives substance to what it is called.
A name hath no importance, for a name must needs have a bearer (i. e., deserving a high name). That is to say, consider (people's) morals and character, then consider the person himself and be attentive (to detect) one's manners and conduct and consider his faith and assurance. If a person is illumined with the light of the love of God, he is (like unto) the morning star, even though his name be dark; and if he is a captive in the darkness of error, he is gloomy even though his name be that of a shining star.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1905-Sep-19, to Charles Mason Remey -- AB05606)
02
As Thou hast named him Beauty, make him beautiful in all conditions.
O Bahram! Bahram is a star that illumines both East and West, and a radiance that makes the dark world rival a rose garden and meadow. Therefore, since you are remembered by this name and sign at the Divine Threshold, you must manifest and display through your words, ways and deeds that which befits this name.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mulla Bahram Akhtar Khavari -- AB05105)
04
Regarding the heavenly title for Jinab-i-Sani' that you had written about - that he desires to be remembered at the Divine Threshold by some mention and given a special title - therefore Jinab-i-Sani' is known at the Threshold of Truth as "Badi'u'l-Mawhibih" (Wondrous Gift). And I hope that the meaning and reality of every title will become embodied in his essence, so that the realities and meanings of every attribute may shine forth and become evident like rays of light from the lamp of his reality.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Ali-Akbar Rawhani Muhibulsultan -- AB05427)
05
O namesake of 'Abdu'l-Baha! Abbas in Arabic means "lion", but this name requires one who embodies it, and this title necessitates brilliant traces.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Mirza Abbas Khan Aminul-Vizarah -- AB06797)
06
For 'Abbas in the Arabic tongue signifieth "brave lion" and "great lion." This name must needs have its true exemplar.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Abbas brother of Muhammad Husayn -- AB09562)
07
O Zahra! Zahra means radiant. For this reason Venus is called Zahra because it is a bright star. Since your name is Zahra, you must therefore arise according to what this name requires.
Children are meant to perpetuate one's name and remembrance in the world - and this only if they be adorned with praiseworthy deeds and pleasing character.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1304 ? [1886-1887], to Mirza Mihdi -- BH03586)
09
Thou hast asked regarding the naming of children: When thou wishest to name a babe, prepare a meeting therefor; chant the verses and communes, and supplicate and implore the Threshold of Oneness and beg the attainment of guidance for the babe and wish confirmated firmness and constancy; then give the name and enjoy beverage and sweetmeat. This is spiritual baptism.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jun-05, to Bernard Jacobsen -- AB00587)
10
It was customary in the olden time - there was such great belief in astrology - to delay a christening until a fortunate time according to the astrological calendar, when the stars were in a fortunate position in the various constellations meeting each other fortunately in certain zodiacal signs. Then that was the time for the feast to give a name to a child, and sometimes they waited for two years before that time would come, until that fully fortunate time would come. Then they would have the christening. Now, as to your child, it is by chance that on the day that we are here, associating with you, a name will be given to him so that he will be very blest.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Coopers, spoken in Goodall home on 1912-Oct-16 -- ABU0629)
11
O my Lord and my God! This is a child whom Thou hast brought forth from the loins of one of Thy servants, for whom Thou hast ordained a station among the stations in the tablets of Thy decree and the pages of Thy destiny.
Gladden through him the eyes of his parents, O Thou Who givest to whomsoever Thou willest whatsoever Thou willest, and name him from Thy Kingdom "Shoghi," that he may yearn for Thy Kingdom and long for the realms of Thy mystery.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1897-Mar-12, to Shoghi Effendi -- AB07774)
13
O my Lord! As You have given him in these days a wondrous daughter - tender, fresh, verdant and flourishing - name her in Your Kingdom "Sakinih," that his heart may find tranquility through her and his spirit find rest through her.
Let the newborn daughter be named Shawq-Angiz [Excitement-Stirring], that she may be enkindled with the fire of yearning in the love of her Great Master.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1896-May-14, to Siyyid Ali Yazdi Husband of Hubbiyyih -- AB05933)
15
Name the newborn Mahmud. It is hoped that he may attain a praiseworthy station in the realm of the Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Muhammad Baqir Khan Shirazi -- AB08672)
16
You have given the dear child a blessed name. God willing, he is Faydullah. I hope that he will receive the bounties of the Abha Beauty, grow and develop under the shadow of grace, and become a manifestation of great success.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Oct-12, to Husayn Naraqi -- AB01916)
17
O thou who art attracted by the Fragrances of God! Thank God for giving and granting thee "sight of eyes" (i.e., a son) whereby thy bosom becomes dilated and thy heart rejoiced. Then make his name "Ruhullah" (i.e., the Spirit of God), so that the spirit of thy Lord, the Merciful of the Merciful, will confirm him.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Mamie Agnew -- AB07712)
18
O Lord! Pour upon her the cups of Thy favors and bounties, intoxicate her with the wine of Thy bestowals, gladden her with Thy most excellent favors, bring joy to her with Thy greatest gifts, and name the apple of her eye "Hasan" in the Kingdom of Names, and make him one of Thy gifts.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Fatimih Bagum (Daughter of Mahbubush-Shuhada) -- AB06009)
19
Name the newborn child Khurshid and pray to God that each one in this human gathering may become a brilliant lamp.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Mar-01, to Baha'is of Stuttgart, Germany et al -- AB12313)
20
Name the newborn child Khurshid [Sun].
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1911-Mar-01, to Schweizer, Friedrich et al -- AB12629)
21
We named the newborn Hadi so that he may become a manifestation of guidance and follow in the footsteps of his noble grandfather.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to wife of Inayatullah Diya -- AB07512)
22
In any case, I have named the precious newborn Hadi, that this name may be a perfect omen and in the future keep alive the name of Mirza Hadi, that honored, divine and merciful one.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Inayatullah Isfahani -- AB10223)
23
As to your dear daughter, name her after her late grandmother Habibih or Parvin.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Apr-25, to Zia M Bagdadi -- AB00306)
24
Name your second son after his illustrious grandfather, and Khadijih is a blessed name for the daughter.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1912 ca., to Husayn Ali son of Muhammad Javad Isfahani et al -- AB08767)
25
Name him Mirza Aqa so that he may be a memorial to that Afnan of the Divine Tree and near one at the threshold of the Divine Unity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906 ca., to Diyaullah Afnan Alai -- AB05450)
26
But for the newborn, give the name of one of your two old friends.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Mar-24, to Mirza Muhammad Baqir Khan Shirazi -- AB01684)
27
O Most Exalted Pen! Make mention of My sister's daughter who hath been named after her, then gladden her with this wondrous remembrance that she may rejoice within herself and thank her Lord Who hath caused all things to speak in praise of His Self, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290-05 [1873-Jun], to Havva wife of Mirza Muhammad Vazir-i-Nuri -- BH08339)
28
The name Aseyeh is acceptable in the Threshold of Oneness, for the daughter of Pharaoh had this name, who, when (Moses) the Light of Guidance dawned, became confirmed by the Merciful One, left the court of Pharaoh with its grandeur and sovereignty and became perfumed with the fragrances of holiness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1907-Jan-07, to Aseyeh Wellesca Dyar -- AB01389)
29
Give them the names Leah and Rachel, which are the names of the two wives of Jacob, for they were two sisters, beloved of God. Perchance God hath destined profound wisdom in this.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Fred W Ackerknecht -- AB06517)
30
We have named the child after the Seal of the Prophets - may the spirit of all who dwell in the Kingdom of Names be a sacrifice unto Him - and We beseech God to bless you and to send down upon you from the heaven of grace a blessing and a favor from His presence.
This honored name was, in the Dispensation of the Furqan, a banner raised for the Wronged One, and in this Dispensation it is the first element of the Greatest Name. Observe how blessed it is! Although outwardly it is the diminutive of Hasan, in reality it is the Sun of the horizon of grandeur and majesty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Husayn son of Abu'l-Qasim Saatsaz -- AB09329)
32
We have named Our servant with a portion of Our Most Exalted Name, and he is Hussein in the Book of Names.
O Aqa Dadash! Rejoice thou in that We have named thee Husayn in the Book of Names.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Aqa Dadash Given Tittle Husayn -- BH09644)
34
Regarding what you wrote about the newborn child belonging to you and Aqa Siyyid Muhammad, it was presented before the Most Holy Court. He said: "Today these names are beloved before the Throne: Diya, Badi', Husayn, and 'Ali. You and your brother may choose whichever one you desire."
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1293? [1875-1876], to Haji Siyyid Muhammad Rida et al -- BH01039)
35
As for naming with the Blessed Name, meaning Baha'u'llah, and with the name of the Exalted One, meaning the Bab or the Primal Point - this is not permitted. However, naming 'Abdu'l-Baha is permitted.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Oct-14, to Muhammad Labib Yazdi -- AB04387)
36
O ye who love God among the Arabs!
If God granteth you a male child, give him the title of 'Abdu'l-Baha and name him Husayn or 'Ali. This is what We have commanded you, if ye be of them that act. And if it be a female child, give her the title of Amatu'l-Baha and name her Dhakriyyih that ye may remember thereby the Day wherein the Most Great Remembrance of God will come to you with manifest sovereignty; or name her Nuriyyih or Sadhijiyyih or 'Azziyyih. All of this We have ordained for you in holy and resplendent Tablets.
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
37
Name the boy Hussein as this is part of the blessed name, and name the girl Zahra.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jul-22, to Alfred E Lunt -- AB00796)
38
Then know that We have named your son in the Kingdom of Names 'Abdu'l-Baha.
Then know, O Baqir, that We have named your son outwardly with the first pillar of My name, which is Husayn, and inwardly with 'Abdu'l-Baha. Thus was the matter decreed by the Pen of the Spirit.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1290 [1873] or earlier, to Ustad Baqir in Baghdad Najjar -- BH04754)
39
In any case, may the advent of this blessed and praiseworthy child be auspicious in both the visible and invisible realms of existence. Undoubtedly it will be a source of blessing, and his name in the Kingdom shall be the servant of the Desired One, meaning 'Abdu'l-Baha, and among the people 'Abdu'l-'Ali.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Mirza Ali Ashraf Lahijani Andalib -- AB09666)
40
Give the newly pure leaf the true original name of Amatu'l-Baha and the common name among people of Fatimih.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Sughra wife of Muhammad Khan Sarhang -- AB08300)
41
O Lord! Name him in Thy Kingdom 'Abdu'l-Baha and in Thy realm 'Abdu'l-Husayn, that he may arise to perform the duties of servitude unto Thee and fulfill the conditions of bondage in the kingdom of creation.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1896-Oct-19, to Abdu'l-Husayn son of Andalib -- AB05507)
42
O Lord! Name Thy servants with the name 'Abdu'r-Rahman. Verily Thou art the One Who enableth whomsoever Thou lovest to servitude, O Merciful One!
O thou who bearest the same name as I! Ghulam-Husayn and Abdu'l-Baha both carry the same meaning, but the latter is sweeter, more pleasant, and more endearing.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1904 ca., to Ghulam-Husayn son of Mashhadi Khalil -- AB08768)
44
O 'Abdu'l-Husayn! How blessed is this name and how sacred this title! The realities of sanctification yearn for this precious name and honored designation, and when they utter it they are moved to ecstasy and joy, for this servant is associated with the Light of the Two Risings, the Radiance of the Two Horizons, and the Sun of Both Worlds, being named after Husayn. This is the Most Great Name, this is the most noble talisman, this is the most luminous full moon, and this is the most radiant sun. Blessed art thou to be designated by this name.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Abdu'l-Husayn Samandari -- AB08794)
45
We make mention of thy son who hath been named 'Abdu'l-Husayn, as a token of grace from Us in this forbidden place.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Haji Muhammad Ali who has attained -- BH10108)
46
O 'Abdu'l-Baha! We have named thee with this name at this time that thou mayest glory in that which hath moved the Tongue of Grandeur in His mighty prison.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Abdu'l-Baha (nephew of Muhammad Husayn) -- BH03575)
47
As to what thou didst request regarding the name, We have named thee before the Throne 'Abdu'l-Baha. This is from Our favor unto thee, that thou mayest be among those who remember.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Abdu'l-Baha (pilgrim) -- BH04064)
48
O dear maid-servant of Baha! Henceforth we shall address you as "Amatu'l-Baha" (Maid-servant of Baha), to indicate that you have attained a new distinction. This title is a crown of honor upon your head, whose jewels and pearls will shine forever.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903 ca., to Laura Dreyfus-Barney -- AB12095)
49
We have named her whom We gave to thee and him "Bahiyyih" in the Kingdom of Names, and We have entitled her "Handmaiden of the Remembrance" that thou mayest be among the thankful.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Wife of Siyyid Mihdi Dahaji -- BH07495)
50
O thou favored maid-servant of God! I give thee the name Natekah (i.e., Speaker--gifted with speech; it can also be written Nategheh), in order that thou mayest find an eloquent speech in teaching (the Truth); that thou mayest kindle the lamp of light in those parts, especially in Baltimore, and bestow joy and happiness upon the hearts through the commemoration of God.
Give the name "Rooha" (i.e., Spiritual) to your new born child, and let your own name be "Saffa" (this, in Arabic, means Peter or Rock).
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1903-Oct-11, to Windust, Lucy R et al -- AB07409)
52
We have named the newborn "Ruhi" and his father "Rahmani", and the heart of both is spiritual.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Ahmad Nabilzadih Qazvini -- AB07772)
53
Thy name is Joseph. Let thy title be Bahai.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906 ca., to Joseph H Hannen -- AB02101)
54
O Ja'far! We have changed thy name at this time by a command from thy Lord, the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, and We have named thee Jalal in the Kingdom of Names as a bounty from Our presence unto thee that thou mayest be among the thankful.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Ja'far Nayrizi known as Jalal -- BH02514)
55
Furthermore, regarding what you mentioned about the name Qurratu'l-'Ayn, this servant had not seen that letter nor was it presented before His countenance. After my learning of it, turning toward Him, ascending and presenting it, he was named "The Trustworthy", entitled "The Wondrous", and given the kunyih "Father of Faithfulness" in the presence of Him Whom I cannot adequately describe before the peoples who have been veiled by the veils of idle fancies and thereby been prevented from witnessing that which hath appeared, shone forth, emerged and risen from the horizon of possibility.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1295-09-04 [1878-Sep-1], to Muhammad Mustafa Baghdadi -- BH01111)
56
Name the German "Husayn" and the Austrian "Hasan", and in these names there is a wisdom which you will later understand.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Aug-16, to Qaini, Ahmad son of Nabil-i-Qain -- AB08648)
57
Name him Adib, and God willing may he be martyred in the path of love for the Blessed Beauty.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Siyyid Yahya Unsi (Palestine) -- AB07310)
58
It now hath three doors: one We named the Upper Gate, and another the Most Noble Gate, after thee and Aqa 'Ali-Ashraf.
We have answered what you asked Us regarding the name. We have named it "Spiritual Company" and We beseech Him, exalted be He, to manifest through you that which will spread His traces throughout the lands and His signs among the servants.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1920-Dec-20, to Louise Waite -- AB06851)
69
The flowers which you have sent were very fragrant. With regard to the spiritual child, Jannette Nash, I give her the name Khamor (moon).
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jul-25, to Spiritual Assembly of Portland, OR -- AB07868)
70
As for the leaf, We have named her Zuhuriyyih.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1305-03-25 [1887-Dec-11], to Ali Akbar Khurasani Qaini -- BH02274)
71
We have named thee, at this moment, Nuri'd-Din.
(Bahá’u’lláh, to Mirza Siyyid Muhammad Afnan (Aqa Mirza Aqa) -- BH10041)
72
As for what ye mentioned concerning Ibn-i-Badi', upon him be the glory of God, he hath been named 'Inayatu'llah. Thus hath it been sent down from the heaven of the favor of our Lord, the All-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1294-03-22 [1877-Apr-6], to Muhammad Mustafa Baghdadi et al -- BH01320)
73
Regarding the new blessing, namely the daughter you mentioned, she has been named Jamilih. God willing, may her steps be blessed and auspicious.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1299-11-17 [1882-Sep-30], to Aqa Ali father of Jamilih -- BH00766)
74
We have named her Farahangiz and We beseech the Mighty One to protect her and make her blessed.
Verily, We make mention in this station of him who heard My call and turned to My face and attained in My days and ascended to the supreme horizon and was of them that attained. He was named Aqa Jan in an exalted Tablet.
I thank Thee, O my God, and praise Thee, O my Heart's Desire, for this new bounty which Thou hast sent down from the heaven of Thy grace and revealed through Thy generosity and bounty, and which Thou hast named Fakhru'd-Din in Thy perspicuous Book.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Abdul-Karim -- BH06845)
78
This is Thy servant whom Thou hast brought forth from the loins of one of Thy loved ones and named Jalal (Glory) in the kingdom of Thy names and nurtured beneath the shade of the Tree of Thy Cause and given to drink of the wine of Thy love.
Thy letter hath come before the Throne and We have read it as a token of grace from Us, and We have honored thee with a name from Us, and named thee Splendor in the Kingdom of creation. This is better for thee than all that is on earth.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1291-03 [1874-Apr], to Musa known as Diya -- BH09946)
80
O 'Ismat! Blessed is thy name. Thy name is the highest adornment for women - thus hath spoken the Lord of the Kingdom of Names from the supreme horizon.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306-02-12 [1888-Oct-18], to Ismat daughter of Muhammad Baqir Nabil -- BH09135)
81
And we beseech Thee to name him in the Book of Names "The Exalted" that those with him may rejoice thereby.
Praise thou the Best-Beloved of the worlds that thou hast been named by this name. However, for servitude there are certain conditions. The first is that thou shouldst manifest spiritual qualities among all people, that all may find and observe in thee the signs of servitude and servanthood. If thou takest pride in this name, be thou of them that render thanks.
(Bahá’u’lláh, ca. 1289-1290?, to Ghulam Husayn -- BH09794)
83
What a pure name thou possessest, before which all names bow down in humility and submission!
As for the newborn, We have named him with the first pillar of the two names, and have made mention of him in such wise that his remembrance and name shall endure through the endurance of God's names.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1307 ? [1889-1890], to Salih -- BH02502)
85
Blessed art thou for having attained unto this Most Great Remembrance, and blessed is thy son who hath been named Muhammad, and thy daughter who hath been named Sultan. Thus hath the Sun of Grace shone forth from the horizon of the tender mercy of thy Lord, the All-Merciful.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1297 ? [1879-1880], to Ali -- BH04588)
86
We thank Him for His new gift and His wondrous favor. When We heard of his arrival and news, We named him Hasan in the Book of Names.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1306 ? [1888-1889], to Ali father of Hasan -- BH09139)
87
My remembrance unto My handmaiden whom God hath manifested in His days that she may inhale the fragrances of her Lord, the All-Merciful, from the direction of the Ridvan.
O my handmaiden! We give thee yet another glad-tiding, and that is thy name which hath been sent down from the heaven of thy Lord's favor, and We have named thee "Mardiyyih" in the Tablet Verily thy Lord is...
The available source contains an omission or incomplete wording; sentence boundaries need review.
90
We make mention of thy sons as a favor from Us - verily thy Lord is the Munificent, the Generous. Blessed are they in that they have been mentioned before the Throne and the Pen of God, the Mighty, the Beautiful, hath moved to make mention of them.
(Bahá’u’lláh, 1292-07-09 [1875-Aug-11], to Shaykh Aqa -- BH05791)