Hi, I'm Rebecca

Image of Rebecca Newenham

I am a proud Humanist UK celebrant specialising in naming ceremonies - a role that fills me with joy and purpose as I help families create meaningful and memorable celebrations for their loved ones.

My journey as a celebrant stems not only from my belief in humanist principles but also from my personal experiences as a parent.

As a mother to three wonderful daughters, I’ve had naming ceremonies for each of them. These events were some of the most treasured moments in our family’s story. They were beautiful, heartfelt gatherings where we came together with friends and loved ones to celebrate the arrival of our girls, affirm our love for them, and set our intentions for the life we hoped to nurture with them. These ceremonies weren’t just milestones - they were reflections of the values, kindness, and individuality we hold dear as a family.

Having experienced firsthand how powerful and transformative a naming ceremony can be, I wanted to offer that gift to others. That’s what led me to train with Humanists UK, an organisation I deeply admire for its commitment to compassion, reason, and inclusivity. Becoming a celebrant has allowed me to combine my love for storytelling with my passion for humanist values, creating ceremonies that are uniquely tailored to the individual families.

When working with families, I strive to craft ceremonies that reflect their individuality, values, and dreams for their children. Whether the setting is a garden, a village hall, or a family home, I ensure every detail resonates with meaning and warmth. I take great care in getting to know you, your story, and your vision for the day, weaving these elements into a ceremony that truly feels like yours.

As someone who has walked the same path as many of the families I work with, I understand how precious and fleeting these moments are. It’s my privilege to help make them extraordinary. A naming ceremony isn’t just a celebration of a name—it’s a celebration of love, connection, and the promise of a bright future.

If you’re looking for a celebrant to bring warmth, creativity, and a deeply personal touch to your naming ceremony, I’d be delighted to help. Let’s create a day that celebrates love, community, and the uniqueness of your family.

Thank you so much for everything yesterday. We had such a wonderful day, it was everything and more than we'd wished for.

— Joanna, Surrey

It was a wonderful ceremony thank you so much!

— Rachel, Hampshire

Thank you for leading such an imaginative and thoughtful naming ceremony for Sophie.

— Lisa, Surrey

Image of Rebecca Newenham

Rebecca Newenham

Where I work

Surrey, Kent, Sussex and North Hampshire

Fees from...

£300

How to contact me
Email

rebecca.newenham@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07973 738192

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist naming ceremonies

A humanist naming ceremony is a joyous event, and the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family to welcome your child into the world, with no reference to religion. It focuses on the child, their future and the circle of love and support around them, offering a sincere and personal alternative to a christening or other religious ceremony.