Commemorative Naming, Intergenerational Legacy, and Continuing Bonds: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study of Being a Living Commemoration

Commemorative naming—naming a child after a deceased family member—is a culturally rooted practice with profound emotional and relational implications. Although previous research has explored naming traditions from sociological and cultural angles, little attention has been given to the psychological experience of those who carry such names. This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of 14 Israeli adults named after deceased relatives, using interpretative phenomenological analysis to uncover personal and intergenerational meanings embedded in this practice. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and completed in-depth interviews that revealed two central themes: (a) the continuum between identification and detachment in relation to the commemorative name and (b) how naming operates as both social compliance and an enduring emotional connection with the deceased. The findings illustrate the dynamic tension between honoring family legacy and negotiating personal autonomy. Participants described feelings of pride, duty, emotional burden, and identity conflict. Grounded in contextual family theory and the concept of continuing bonds, the analysis highlights how commemorative naming functions as both a vehicle for familial resilience and a source of psychological strain. These insights offer valuable implications for clinical practice. Therapists and family practitioners should consider naming histories as a meaningful part of family narratives, especially in contexts of grief, legacy, and relational ethics. Raising awareness of the emotional weight of commemorative names may support families in making more intentional, ethically sensitive naming decisions that consider the impact on future generations.