Doopnaam

Doopnaam is the name given to a child at baptism in many Dutch-speaking Christian communities. The term combines doop (baptism) and naam (name). Traditionally the doopnaam is the name of a Christian saint chosen by the parents and announced during the baptism ceremony. In Catholic and some Protestant contexts, the doopnaam carries religious significance and may be regarded as the child’s spiritual name alongside its everyday identity.

In everyday life, the child may primarily use another name, called roepnaam, which is the name used by family and friends. The doopnaam is often recorded in church records and on baptism certificates and may appear on legal documents as part of the full given name, or be used as a middle name. Some people adopt the doopnaam as their main name later in life, while others never use it beyond the ceremony.

Contemporary practice varies. Some families continue to select a doopnaam—often a saint’s name—while others choose non-religious names or skip a doopnaam altogether. The concept remains most common in Dutch-speaking regions and in historical or religious contexts; in other cultures the equivalent is simply called a baptismal name or saint’s name. Today, the doopnaam is primarily a cultural and religious artifact rather than a strict legal requirement.