Naming a Baby Girl at the Earliest Opportunity

Question:

I've been told that Chabad custom is to name a baby girl at the very first opportunity, i.e. the first public Torah reading after her birth. I know that in other Orthodox circles the naming is often postponed till Shabbat or another time when more family and friends can make it for the joyous occasion. So I was wondering about the Chabad custom—why the rush?

Answer:

The G‑dly soul begins its entry into (i.e., integration with) the body when the child is given its Jewish name. The name serves as the conduit for divine energy that connects body and soul.

As such, we certainly don't want to delay such an awesome event any longer than necessary.

Hope this helps.

Rabbi Moshe Goldman for Chabad.org