A Name and a Blessing

[Rivers]

When we perform baby blessings in church, they are given a name and a blessing.  I know the Doctrine and Covenants instructs us to bless the child but how did the naming portion of the blessing come about?

 

 

 

[JLHPROF]

27 minutes ago, Rivers said:

When we perform baby blessings in church, they are given a name and a blessing.  I know the Doctrine and Covenants instructs us to bless the child but how did the naming portion of the blessing come about?

It's a holdover from the pre-Christ circumcision tradition.  Circumcision ended, the blessing and naming didn't.

Luke 1:59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

Joseph F. Smith
In accordance with the rule of the Church, children born to members of the Church are taken to the monthly fast meetings in the several wards, and are there blessed and named by or under the direction of the bishopric.
…However, a father holding the higher Priesthood, may desire to bless and name his child at home, perhaps at an earlier date than would be convenient or possible for mother and babe to attend a fast meeting in the ward. Many elders desire to perform this ordinance within the circle of their own families on or about the eighth day of the child’s life. This also is proper… It would be better if every elder who is a father rose to the dignity of his position, and officiated in his holy office within his family organization…The question arises, and has recently been presented in specific form, if an elder performs the ordinances of naming and blessing his own child at home, is it necessary that the ordinance be repeated in the ward meeting? We answer, No. The father’s blessing is authoritative, proper, and sufficient;
…The repetition of the ordinance of naming and blessing children tends to diminish our regard for the authority and sanctity attending the father’s blessing within the household. (Juvenile Instructor Vol. 38, January, 1903)