All About

Baby

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Table Of Contents

A Message from The Minister of Health 2

Message from the Registrar General’s Department 3

Congratulations! You are having a baby 4

Baby Names for Boys 5

Baby Names for Girls 10

Ten Tips for Mothers and Mothers-to-be 15

Ten Tips for Fathers and Fathers-to-be 17

Registering Home Births 18

Registering Births at the Public

or Private Hospitals or Birthing Centres 19

Registration Form 20

Notes 21

Copyright © 2011 Registrar General’s Department

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Table Of Contents A message from

Jamaica is committed to fulfilling children’s right to an identity. The birth registration system is vital to a state’s ability to make visible the population in its territory and to separate it from outsiders. Every child has a right to an identity including nationality; it is considered a fundamental human right. It is my pleasure to congratulate the RGD for the considerable success they have achieved, with respect to civil registration in Jamaica.

Children are a blessing to society, and parents have a responsibility to ensure that they are provided with the basic elements of life that will help them to be successful. Without a birth certificate, access to health services and education may be difficult.

Naming your child can be a daunting task as the options are many. It is with this in mind that the RGD has provided its second edition of a Baby Name Book (All About Baby), to assist parents in making their decisions. I encourage you to make use of this book as a guide in helping you to name your child.

Hon. Rudyard Spencer, O.D.Minister of Health

The Minister of HealthSince the inception of “Bedside Registration” in January 2007, the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) has made many strides in ensuring that all children born in hospitals and birthing centres are fully registered. All parents naming their babies are given a free first copy of the birth certificate. As a result of this initiative, there has been an increase in birth registration from over 95% to close to100%.

Copyright © 2011 Registrar General’s Department

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The first edition of this book – which was made available to parents throughout Jamaica – was well received. We have realized how necessary and valuable this book has been and therefore have made a further step in providing a second edition. This edition will provide more options with additional names of boys and girls which will assist you in selecting a suitable name for your child.

The RGD continues to provide a free first copy of the birth certificate to each child that is registered and named. We continue to encourage expectant parents to choose two names (male and female) in advance, so that they can name the baby at the bedside.

As RGD approaches another milestone, and looks forward to achieving the Vision 2030 ideal of “Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”, we encourage parents to ensure that their child is given an identity. Investing in our children means giving them access to certain fundamental human rights, such as the right to a name and identity.

The Registrar General’s Department (RGD) is pleased to present the second edition of its Baby Name Booklet (All About Baby). Since the first publication in 2007, the RGD has made several advancements in the area of civil registration.

The Bedside Registration initiative has been a tremendous success in providing 100% registration in all public and private hospitals and birthing centres. This has also eliminated the challenge we once faced with children being registered without a name.

A message from the

Registrar General’s Department

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Congratulations!You are having a baby

While some parents are comfortable selecting a name before their child is born, there are others who prefer to wait until after the baby is born before deciding on that special name.

It may take days or even weeks before both parents can agree on a suitable name for their baby.

To help you find that special name, we have prepared this booklet with a selection of African, Biblical and English names that you may choose from. We have also added twenty popular names registered at the Registrar General’s Department for boys and girls. Also included are tips that will help you select that special name for your bundle of joy.

Enjoy the experience,Registrar General’s Department

Babies are wonderful blessings from God. They are full of promise and filled with potential. However, having a baby can be an overwhelming, confusing and emotional experience since there is so much to think about once you and your partner decide to take this big step.

As a parent, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing a name for your child. However, for many parents this can pose quite a challenge.

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Remember that names are for a lifetimeMost likely, your baby will have the name you choose for life. Try to make sure it’s a name that your child will take pride in and happily accept as an expression of self.

Baby Names for Boys

• African Boy Names and Meanings

Ajani He who wins the struggleAsante Thank youAmari Strength and builderBakari One with great promiseChinua Blessings from GodCoffie Born on a FridayDakari RejoiceGowon RainmakerHasan GoodHasani HandsomeImara StrengthIssa God is our salvationJabari CourageousJafari CreekJamal EleganceJamali BeautyJelani Mighty oneKarim GenerousKhalid EternalKhalil Sincere friendKijani WarriorMaalik ExperiencedMaliki KingNaasir DefenderOdion First of twinsRafiki FriendRashad RighteousTaji CrownUmar LongevityUlan First Born Twin

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• Biblical Boy Names and Meanings

Aaron EnlightenedAbdel HumbleAbidan My father is judgeAbijah My father is YahwehAllon OakAsher Happy or blessedBenjamin Son of the southCaleb One of the only two who lived

to see the promised landCarmi VineDan He judgedDaniel God is my judgeDathan FountainDarius SupporterDavid BelovedElohim GodEmmanuel God is with usEthan Solid, EnduringGamaliel Benefit of GodGemariah Yahweh has accomplishedHanan GraciousHirah SplendourIshmael God will hearIssac He laughsJada He knowsJadon ThankfulJahleel God waitsJames SupplanterJason HealerJavan GreeceJemuel Day of GodJesse A giftJoel Yahweh is GodJohn Gracious gift of GodJonathan Gift from GodJordon The descenderLuke Bringer of light

Mathan GiftMathew Gift from YahwehMicah Who is like YahwehNathan GiverNathanael God has givenOmar SpeakerOthneil Lion of GodPaul HumblePeter StonePhilip FriendRaphael God has healedSamuel God has heardSimeon He who hearsSeth AppointedTemani Right handTimon HonourUriel God is my light

Choose a name with positive attributesYour baby deserves a name that conveys positive and desirable values. Don’t choose a name that has negative connotations such as dullness or awkwardness. Instead, think of names that you associate with beauty, intelligence, affection, strength and independence.

Be conscious of how the name soundsA child’s name will sound better if the first name does not have the same number of syllables as the last name, for example ‘Dwright Wright’. Practice saying the first and last name aloud to find out how they sound together.

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• English Boy Names and Meanings

Addison Son of AdamAlann HandsomeAlden Wise protectorAllan Handsome OneAlvin Noble friendAnthony PricelessBoris WarriorBrendan TravelerBrian High, Noble, StrongCarrick RockChadwick WarriorConroy Wise ManDarian WealthyDarrell BelovedDeandre WarriorDeshawn God is graciousDillon Faithful Ethen EnduranceGarrick Spear KingGavin White HawkHaden From the MoorJarvis Accurate ArrowJerome Of Sacred NameJustin JustKendrick RulerKonrad Bold SpeakerKyle HandsomeLamont LawyerLeon Bold LionLeslie Residence NameLionel Lion-likeMalcolm Royal BloodMarlon FalconNicholas People TriumphNigel BlackNorris CaretakerOliver Kind OneOrson Like the Bear

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Owen Well-BornPatrick Noble ManQuillan CubQuinlan StrongQuinn The WiseRaymond Wise GuardianRichard Powerful RulerRoland Fame of the LandSheldon From the steep valleyTerrell ThunderTwain Two piecesVance A thresher

Avoid names with initials that spell out wordsWould you name your baby Richard Alexander Thompson? Maybe, until you saw “RAT” on a baby gift card! How about Penny Ursula Smith (PUS)? Try to choose a name that does not spell out an unexpected word with an unpleasant connotation.

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Combine names to create a new nameYou can combine two names to create a unique name for your baby. A good example is Peter-John or Don-Oneil.

Daniel God is my judgeJayden Jehova is heardJoshua God rescuesJordan Descend, Flow DownRicardo Strong powerAnthony Highly praiseNathan He (God) has givenMichael Who is like god?Alex Defending menMalik King, owner

Top 10 Boy names registered at the RGD

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Baby Names for Girls• African Girl Names and Meanings

Akilah Intelligent one who reasonsAlake One to be honouredAshanti Strong African womanAyanna Beautiful flowerDamisi CheerfulChinue God’s blessingHalla Unexpected giftImena DreamJahia ProminentJamila BeautifulJohanna God’s GraceKali EnergeticKamili PerfectionKia Season’s BeginningLatifa GentleLayla Born at NightLisha MysteriousMaisha LifeMalika QueenNadia CallerReta ShakenRahima CompassionateSadiki BelievableSamiha NobleSerafina Burning passionTamasha Happy occasionTisha Strong willedZalika Well BornZawadi Gift

Consider other meaningful namesA name reflecting your own ethnicity or religion or that of your partner can be a positive way to affirm the baby’s heritage. Or perhaps you like the historical meaning of a name that springs from a language used by your ancestors.

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• Biblical Girl Names and Meanings

Abigail My father is joyAnah AnswerAsenath She belongs to her fatherAtarah CrownAthalia God is exaltedCandace Queen motherChloe Green shootDamaris A little womanDeborah BeeEden Place of pleasureEsther StarHannah Favor, graceJoanna Yahweh is graciousJudith Woman of JudeaKeziah Cassia (a spice tree)Leah WearyLois More desirousLydia Of LydiaMichal BrookMoriah Seen by YahwehNaomi PleasantnessNoah MotionPhoebe PureRhoda RoseRuth FriendSalome PeaceSarah PrincessSherah KinswomanTalitha Little girlTryphena Softness

Try to anticipate spelling or pronunciation problemsIf it weren’t for people injecting a little creativity and originality in the process of choosing a name, we wouldn’t have as many interesting variations as we have now. Names with less common spellings or pronunciations should not be automatically disqualified.

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• English Girl Names and Meanings

Aimee BelovedAlanna FairAlison Of Sacred FameAmanda LoveableAnna GracefulBianca WhiteBridget PowerBrianna VirtuousCarissa Tender touchChelsea HarbourDominique Belonging to GodEmily AmbitiousFarrah BeautifulFelicia HappyFiona PrettyGabrielle God’s messengerGale LivelyHaley HeroineJade JewelJessica Woman of wealthJillian Young childKacey Eagle-eyedKyla LovelyKendra WiseKirsten Anointed OneLacey Cheerful OneLeslie The FortressLeticia JoyMaia StarMegan PearlMelanie Dark-hairedMelissa Honey BeeMonica CounselorNadia Hope Natasha Born at ChristmasNerissa Daughter of the seaNora HonourNydia Refuge or Nest

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Odette MelodyPatricia Noble WomanRamona Wise ProtectressRenee Born againShannon WiseSerena SereneSamantha ListenerTracy FighterTiffany Appearance of a godTrina PureVanessa ButterflyVeronica True FaceYolanda Violet Flower

Should you honour a family member? It’s your choiceIf you like the idea of naming your baby after a family member, then go ahead. However, if you feel obligated to do so but secretly dislike the name then think of an alternative. Try using the family member’s name as a middle name, and then select one you favour more as your baby’s first name.

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Brianna Noble, strong, virtuous, hillRihanna NymphGabrielle God’s messengerAshley Ash woodJada Precious green stoneTiana Follower of ChristAbigail Father in rejoicingAmelia Work, effort, strainKayla Who is like God?Danielle God is my judge

Top 10 Girl names registered at the RGD

Decide whether you like the idea of a popular nameThe benefits of a popular name for a child are the familiarity and ease with which others will use a name they know and can recognize immediately.

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1. Get prenatal care early. As soon as you think you may be pregnant, see a health care professional for prenatal care and continue going for prenatal care during your pregnancy. Immediate and consistent prenatal care can prevent preterm de-livery, and improve pregnancy and childbirth.

2. Eat regularly, depending on your appetite, and choose from a range of foods to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.

3. Do not drink alcohol while you are pregnant. If you drink alcohol this can cause permanent brain and developmental damage in the foetus.

4. Do not smoke and do not let any one smoke around your baby. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to your baby, affecting his growth and making him vulnerable to infection. It also puts your baby at higher risk of still-birth or being born premature.

5. Exercise. Research has shown that a little exercise is good for both mother and baby during pregnancy. Exercise boosts your immune system and provides the circulation and energy levels needed to prepare your body for labour. Walking is a good form of exercise.

6. Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding for at least six months has significant health benefits. Breast milk has the right combination of protein, fat, sugar and water needed for your baby’s growth and development. Breast milk also contains anti-bodies to protect infants from bacteria and viruses.

7. Fully immunize your baby. Be sure to get all vaccinations on time as this will help to prevent diseases and death.

8. Never leave your baby unattended.

10 Tips for Mothers &Mothers-to-be

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10 Tips for Mothers &Mothers-to-be

9. Always use a safety car seat. Remember, the best child safety seat is the one that fits your child properly, is easy to use, and fits in your vehicle correctly.

10. Never, ever shake your baby. Shaking a baby, even a little, may lead to severe brain damage and death.

What’s in your bag?

Ideally, you should get your hospital bag ready with all your essentials about two weeks before your due date.Include:

• A front-opening night gown (easier for breastfeeding)• Comfortable clothing (such as a track-suit and T-shirts)• Sandals or easy-fitting footwear• Maternity pads• Nursing bras• Towels• Toiletries• Writing materials• Night gown and nappies for the baby• Receivers• Chemises/shirts• Disposable diapers, nappies and pins• Plastic bags for dirty clothes• Socks and bonnet• Wash cloths• Blue Antenatal Record• Blood Donor’s Slip• Olive oil• Drinking cup• Disposable razors• Hair comb

Remember, you’ll need clothing for you and your baby to travel home in, although someone can bring these once you’ve had your baby.

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1. Participate in the naming of your child. Choosing a name for your child with the mother can be fun.

2. Help your partner stay healthy during pregnancy. If you eat right, she will find it easier to eat right. Stay away from smoking, drugs and alcohol.

3. Talk with your partner about what you both want for your baby.

4. Learn how to feed, bathe, comfort and change your baby’s diaper.

5. Talk to your partner and try to understand the changes that you are both going through on becoming parents.

6. Become the most significant male figure in your child’s life.

7. Spend time with your baby. The more time you spend with them, the more you will understand their needs and feel competent in caring for them.

8. Get up with the baby if you can and let your partner rest.

9. If you are feeling left out, talk to your partner. Chances are it is unintentional.

10. Assist your partner with emotional stress by providing as much support as possible. Men face post partum depression too; it is important to realize this and gethelp if you need it.

10 Tips for Fathers &Fathers-to-be

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10 Tips for Fathers &Fathers-to-be

What you need to know!

• When your baby is born you must visit the Local District Registrar (LDR) to register the birth.

• In the case where the parents are not married, the fathers must attend the LDR along with the mother to register the child in order to avoid the process of Addition of Father’s Particulars.

• If the parents are married, the LDR will complete the birth registration form with the particulars of both parents. Take along your marriage certificate.

• Both the mother and the father or the informant will be asked to sign the form. Make sure you check the information carefully before signing.

• Once the signing of the form is completed you will be given a Certificate of Registry or “Pink Slip”. This is not a birth certificate but has very valuable information such as the birth entry number, which is needed to apply for a birth certificate

If the child was named and registered within six weeks of birth, your free first copy of the birth certificate will be delivered within three months of registration.

Registering Home Births

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What you need to know!

The Registrar General’s Department since January 2007, conducts Bedside Registration for each mother. Births in these facilities account for over 98% of births in Jamaica. • When your baby is born you must provide the birth details and other

information to the Registration Officer who is conducting the Registration.

• In the case where the parents are not married, the fathers must attend the LDR along with the mother to register the child in order to avoid the process of Addition of Father’s Particulars.

• If the parents are married, the Registration Officer will complete the birth registration form with the particulars of both parents. The couple is advised to have a copy of their marriage certificate available at the time of the baby’s birth registration, although it is not mandatory

• Both the mother and the father or the informant will be asked to sign the form. Make sure you check the information carefully before signing.

Once the signing of the form is completed you will be given a Certificate of Registry or “Pink Slip”. This is not a birth certificate but has very valuable information such as the birth entry number, which is needed to apply for a birth certificate

If the child is named in hospital then the first free birth certificate will be delivered within three months.

Registering Births at the Public or Private Hospitals or Birthing Centres

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1. Baby’s Date of Birth: _____________________________________________________

2. Baby’s Full Name: _______________________________________________________

3. Gender: ______________________________________________________________

4. Mother’s Full Name: _____________________________________________________

5. Mother’s Maiden Name: __________________________________________________

6. Age at present: _________________________________________________________

7. Mother’s occupation: ____________________________________________________

8. Mothers Birth Place (Parish): _____________________________________________

8a. Mother’s Telephone Number: _____________________________________________

Number of children previously born to mother

9a. Alive: ____________________ 9b. Stillborn: __________________

10a. Residence: __________________________________________

10b. Town/Village: __________________________________________

10c. Parish: _______________________________________________

Father’s particulars

11. Father’s Name: _______________________________________________________

12. Age on last birthday: ___________________________________________________

13. Father’s occupation: ____________________________________________________

14. Father’s Birth Place (Parish): ______________________________________________

15. Father’s Telephone Number: ______________________________________________

Please Ensure:(a) That you write legibly(b) That no pet name is used(c) That all entries are correct(d) That this form is given to the Registration Officer in the hospitals or birthing centre

Registering Home Births Registering Births at the Public or Private Hospitals or Birthing Centres

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