Choosing a name for a baby is a task that often requires a considerable amount of time and effort. From seeking advice from family and friends to browsing baby name books, parents want the perfect name for their little one.
However, for how do Royals choose baby names ? For Royal families, naming their babies is not just about personal preferences but also has significance and symbolism linked to tradition and history.
In this blog post, we will explore how Royals choose baby names, the cultural and historical influences that play a part, and their approach to selecting a name.
Cultural and historical influences
Royal families are often steeped in tradition, and this extends to the naming of their children. In some cases, parents choose names that hold significance for their family or their country. For example, Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s children’s names, George, Charlotte, and Louis, all have historical links to British monarchs.
Similarly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle drew inspiration from Latin and African roots for their son’s name, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The cultural and historical influences that come into play when choosing baby names are integral to the identity of royal families.
Maintaining a legacy
Royals often choose names that honor members of their family, creating a legacy that endures through generations. It is common for a newborn member of the royal family to receive a name shared by previous royals.
For instance, Prince Harry was named after his late mother’s grandfather, while Prince George received his name in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s father, King George VI. Through naming their children, Royals ensure that their legacy continues and that the line of succession is known to future generations.
Consultation with the queen
Royals often seek approval from the Queen before finalizing or announcing their baby’s name. This is done out of respect for Her Majesty, and it is essential that she approves of the name before it is revealed to the public.
The Queen has the power to veto a name if she desires. However, in most cases, she is supportive of the parents’ choice.
Privacy is key
Considerable thought goes into choosing a name for a royal baby, and royal parents are keen to keep the name under wraps until they are ready to announce it formally. This is done out of privacy concerns and also because they do not want the media to speculate or influence their decision.
Royal parents often keep the name a secret until it is time to register the birth formally, and then it is announced via official channels.
Modern approaches
While Royals are known for their dedication to tradition and history, in recent years, they have shown that they are open to modern approaches when it comes to baby names. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s choice of Archie is an example of how Royals are willing to embrace new naming conventions.
They also opted not to give their son a royal title, creating a new precedent. It suggests that they are willing to break from the rigidity of traditional naming conventions.
Choosing a name for a baby can be challenging, but for Royals, the process is further complicated by the need to balance tradition and history while also creating a legacy for future generations.
However, Royals have shown that they are willing to embrace modern approaches while still maintaining respect for tradition and history. The cultural and historical influences that shape their choices not only reflect their identity but also provide a glimpse into their unique family histories.
By understanding how Royals choose baby names, we can appreciate the thought and effort that goes into a name’s selection and the significance it holds.
