Different cultures and religions have not only their own funds of traditional names, but also their own lore and rituals to be followed when babies are named
Afrikaans
While freelance journalist Charlene Smith was gathering information for her book, Baby Names For South African Babies, she came across research done at Rhodes University.
It showed that Afrikaans families often gave their children double-barrelled names. There was often an English influence or the names were a combination of a parent and grandparent's names.
"In addition, babies in Afrikaans communities are more likely to be given the surname of an ancestor as a first name. Examples of this include De Wet Potgieter and Beyers Naudé." Another example is Western Province rugby player De Wet Barry.
The study also showed that children who were given English first names were better known by their Afrikaans nicknames.
"Examples include Jill Kelly, better known as 'Marmoeitjie', and a child given the fancy name of Lorton Howard was better known to his family and friends as 'Ouboet'."
Hindu
There are various ways a Hindu family will decide on a name for their child.
"Some parents use numerology in order to arrive at a name. Others consult a Hindu astrologer who comes up with the most auspicious name for the baby."
Smith said Brahmin Hindus name their child six days after the birth because they believe the child's karma only "enters on that day". In a sense the infant's "book of life" is opened and his or her life begins to be recorded on that day.
"On the evening of the day, the family gathers and the paternal aunt turns the baby six times to represent the entering of life.
"During this ceremony, called Shasti (six), some parents light six clay lamps filled with oil.
"Under each lamp they place a piece of paper bearing a name.
"The lamp that remains burning the longest then indicates the child's name."
Smith says this could also date back to when there was a high infant mortality rate and parents waited to see if children were going to survive before naming them.
Islam
A Doekmaal is performed by an imam (priest) or sheik in the presence of family and friends. It can also be performed by someone who knows how to conduct the ceremony.
Prayers are said and the imam then cuts a lock of the child's hair for safekeeping.
Water is sprinkled over the child and the words Allah akbaar (God is great) are whispered in the child's ear, says Smith. The ceremony is usually held during the week after the child's birth.
Jewish
In Jewish culture, a baby is usually given two names, an English and a Hebrew name.
Smith said the child can be named in honour of a special family or historical event. The child can also be named according to the parashah - "a name that appears in the weekly Torah portion around the time of the child's birth".
Ashkenazic Jews, from Eastern and Central Europe, usually name their child after a deceased relative. The custom dates back to the Middle Ages where it was believed the Angel of Death might take the child by mistake.
The Sephardic Jews - from the Mediterranean - often name their child after a living relative because they believe the person will guide the child through life.
In the case of a boy baby, the child will receive his father's name if the father died before he was born.
Xhosa/Zulu
Smith spoke to Vivien de Klerk at Rhodes University when she researched Xhosa/Zulu traditions.
She was told that the paternal grandmother has a say in naming the child.
De Klerk said Xhosa and Zulu families named the children after the mother's family.
She said that Xhosa men are not involved in the birth of their babies. In fact, they are forbidden from even attending the birth.
"Fathers may be told the sex of the child, but they may not see the child or its mother for at least eight days after the birth."
Venda
While Smith was doing her research into the traditions of African culture, she spoke to Charles Nthambeleni Netshisualu, a lecturer at the University of Venda.
He told her the father's parents name the baby. Netshisualu said there are few names in their culture that are expressions of happy events. Babies are usually named after things that the family or the community are concerned about at that time.
Smith said if a grandmother is unhappy with the way the family has been treating her, she could name the child Avhampfuni, which means "they don't like me". Parents cannot change the name if they are unhappy with it.
"Once the grandparent has decided on a name, there can be no further debate," said Netshisualu.