Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel [Heard by God], saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord – 1st Samuel 1:20.
Names carry more value and importance than people realize. Just as the names in Biblical days identify, it frequently expresses the essential nature of their bearer; to know the name is to know the person.
In Biblical days and past years, parents named their children names that would bring them blessings. The parents considered what the name meant. They wanted the blessings of God to be upon their children. Jacob was the twain brother of Esau; Jacob’s name meant supplanter or deceitful, trickster, but then he came into contact with God, his name was changed from Jacob to Israel.
Daniel and the three Hebrews boys had godly names, but when they were taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, the prince of the eunuch gave them names after their gods, Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego. They were given names opposite of the God they served.
Before Rachel died, she named her son Benoni, meaning “Son of My Sorrow,” but his father Jacob called him Benjamin, meaning Son of the Right Hand, totally different from sorrow.
Names, like words, have action behind them, whether good or bad. One should consider what they are declaring over the life of their child. As Christians, you have the authority to speak blessings upon your children; you have the authority to declare what you want to see your child become, and God will honor the words you spoke in faith. Just like God will honor your words, Satan will also honor the words you name your child and the words you speak over them.
Children are gifts from God, as parents were to protect them in the natural and spiritual realm. Names that have already been given can always have the Word of God spoken over the child or children. God has given you the authority to speak things into existence just as He did by His Spirit dwelling within you. Speak God’s Words, speak blessings upon your child, and watch God perform the words you speak when you’re speaking His Word.
For example, words you can speak over your child will be the head and not the tail; they will be the lender and not the borrower. They will be successful naturally and spiritually; they will hide the word of God in their hearts, and they will be a blessing to others.
When you abide in the Word and His Word abide in you, you can ask and declare, and it shall be given. God watches over His Word to perform it. Get the meaning of the name before naming your child, and watch the words you speak to them and over them.