Question: Time to Announce Hebrew Name of Baby Girl
Dear Rabbi,
I was told that parents of a baby girl should not announce her name
before the baby naming ceremony. Is this true and, if so, where does
this tradition come from?
Judy
Answer: Dear Judy,
Thanks for writing.
In my opinion, this is strictly superstition and it may be based upon the folk-belief that if people are "too happy" then the "Evil Eye" would seek them out and hurt them, denying them the joy because it is the nature of the "Evil Eye" to do so.
In addition, people in general have been wise to wait until a newborn is more viable. Similarly there is the custom of waiting to tell people the name of a newborn boy.
However - and it is a big however - I urge families, when the question is raised, to pause for moment to determine whether or not they could deal with whatever might occur to the baby in the future if they indeed did share the name with family and friends. If they are concerned in any way that they might feel "responsible" if the child became ill, suffered a tragedy, or any misfortune - God forbid - because they might have caused the "Evil Eye", then I tell them not to share the name and "respect" the superstition that has become for some people a "custom."
Best wishes,
Rabbi Dov