I started an organization named Mekim Sheim B'Yisrael (www.lzichron.org).
There was a childless widow in the neighborhood of Rav Elyashiv who was distressed over her lack of descendents to perpetuate her name for posterity. Rav Elyashiv and his wife thus agreed to name their next daughter Sarah Rochel, this woman's name, and that brought the woman great joy and literally revived her despondent spirit.
The obvious question subsequently asked to Rav Elyashiv was how he named his child after a living individual, something not in line with Ashkenazic practice. His response was that such a profound Chesed warranted it being done.
B"H, there are many Jewish families that have the opportunity to perform this profound Chesed Shel Emes. Considering how remarkably successful the Sefer Zera Shimshon became, it's obvious that such kinds of Zechusim are not taken lightly.
After the first few children are given the names of relatives from two or three generations back,there aren't often many significant and important names to give, and if provided such an outstanding opportunity involving this Mitzvah, many would love to help the Niftarim in such a profound way.
We therefore launched this Gemach (i.e. exchange) where introductions are facilitied, some anonymously, depending on the preference of both parties. The parties can choose anonymity, which can be maintained as long as necessary, or we can connect them immediately. To date, we have neen blown away by the reception and feedback we've seen.
My question for Mi Yodeya is as follows.
When someone learns Torah or does a Mitzvah for the Zechus of a Neshama, that's called "Aliyas Neshama". However, I wasn't clear whether naming after a childless Niftar would be an Aliyas Neshama, or if perhaps it would merely be an honor and Kavod for the Neshama but without any true practical gain.
We asked several Rabbanim in recent days, both of whom believed it would be an Aliyas Neshama (we are now waiting for them to get back to us with confirmation as they wanted to double check).
I was wondering whether one or more people on Mi Yodeya could be able to answer this question of whether the aforementioned is indeed an Aliyas Neshama or is it only some honor which, albeit nice, isn't similar to the other.