You Have a Choice

If you're placing a baby for adoption, you might be wondering: "Do I have to name the baby before adoption?" The answer is simple: No, you are not legally required to name your baby before adoption in Ohio. That said, many birthmothers do choose to name their baby and some find meaning, comfort, or closure in doing so. Others prefer to let the adoptive family choose the name from the start.

At CFK, we want you to know: whatever you decide, your choice is valid. There is no "right" or "wrong" here just what feels most respectful to your experience and your emotions.

Can I Name My Baby Before Adoption?

Yes, you can. In Ohio, if you give birth and sign the birth certificate before the adoption is finalized, you may list a name of your choosing. The name you choose may be changed later by the adoptive family after the adoption becomes legal.

Many birthmothers name the baby to:

• Honor a personal memory or relationship
• Create a connection even if they won’t be parenting
• Celebrate the baby’s life in a way that feels right to them
• Say goodbye with intention

This name becomes part of the original birth certificate, but the adoptive family can file a new one during finalization with a name of their own choosing. This is common and legally allowed.

What If I Don't Want to Name the Baby?

That’s OK, too. You are not obligated to name the baby. Some birthmothers choose to leave the name field blank or allow the adoptive parents to name the baby from birth.

Reasons some birthmothers do not name the baby include:

• Wanting emotional distance during a difficult time
• Preferring the adoptive family to have that role
• Not feeling ready or able to choose a name

You are not "less caring" if you don't name the baby. You are doing what you need to do to move through this experience in your own way.

Will the Name I Choose Stay on the Birth Certificate?

The name you select may appear on the original birth certificate, but the final, legal name will reflect what the adoptive family chooses after the adoption is finalized.

This means:

• You may choose a name that matters to you
• The adoptive parents may honor that name, or change it
• A new amended birth certificate will be issued with the adoptive parents listed and the updated name

In open adoptions, some adoptive families keep the name or incorporate it as a middle name. In other cases, they may choose an entirely new name.



If you have feelings about this part of the process, CFK can help you talk through them. You deserve to feel heard and supported.

What If I Want to Talk to the Adoptive Parents About Naming?

If you're pursuing an open or semi-open adoption, you may have the opportunity to talk with the adoptive family about naming preferences. Some families are open to collaboration, while others may already have ideas in mind.

You can discuss:



• Whether you want to give the baby a name at birth
• If they would be open to keeping or using part of the name
• How the name might reflect both your story and theirs

CFK can help facilitate these conversations so you feel respected and comfortable throughout the process.

How CFK Supports You

Naming your baby is a personal decision, and there is no pressure either way. Whether you want to choose a name, collaborate with the adoptive family, or not name the baby at all, CFK is here to support you.

We offer:



• Nonjudgmental counseling around the naming decision
• Help understanding legal steps related to naming and birth certificates
• Emotional support before, during, and after placement
• Guidance on how naming may impact your grief or closure process
  

What Other Birthmothers Have Shared

Some birthmothers tell us that naming the baby gave them peace. Others say it was too painful. Some regret not naming their child, and others are grateful they didn’t. Everyone’s story is different.

Here are a few real sentiments:

"I named him after my grandfather. I knew they would change it, but it was my gift to him."



"I didn’t name her. It would have made it harder to say goodbye. I needed that distance."

"They ended up keeping the first name I gave him. That meant so much to me."

However you feel about naming, those feelings are important. You don't have to navigate them alone.

FAQs: Naming a Baby Before Adoption

There Is No Right or Wrong Choice

Naming your baby is a deeply personal decision. Whether you name your baby or not, you are making the best choice you can in a difficult moment. CFK is here to support you with empathy, clarity, and respect.

You are not alone, and you don’t have to make these decisions without guidance.