What does christening mean?
A christening is the religious ceremony in which a person—traditionally an infant—is baptized and formally given their name within a Christian church. The rite typically involves the pouring or immersion of water, accompanied by prayers and the declaration of godparents who promise to guide the child's spiritual upbringing. Beyond its religious sense, the word also describes the ceremonial naming of ships and other vessels, famously marked by breaking a bottle of champagne across the bow. Derived from the verb 'to christen', which ultimately comes from the Greek 'christos', meaning 'anointed one', the term carries connotations of blessing, welcome, and new beginnings. While central to Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox practice, it is used more cautiously in some Protestant circles that reserve baptism for adult believers. Whether marking a child's entry into a faith community or a vessel's launch into service, a christening signifies a solemn and joyful beginning.
The ceremony of baptizing and naming a child, especially in a Christian church.
"Her christening took place at St. Mary's on the first Sunday of June."
Most commonly applied to infants and young children in traditions that practice infant baptism.
The formal ceremony of naming and inaugurating a ship or other vessel.
"Thousands attended the christening of the aircraft carrier."
Often involves breaking a bottle of champagne over the hull.
Standard plural formation, used when referring to multiple ceremonies.
"The church records list hundreds of christenings spanning three centuries."
Every christening traces back to the Greek word for 'anointed one' — the same root that gives us the word Christian itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of christening
The noun 'christening' derives from the Old English verb 'cristnian', meaning to make Christian through baptism, itself formed from 'Crist', borrowed from the Greek 'christos' meaning 'anointed one'. The word has been used in English since the early medieval period to denote both baptism and the conferral of a name. Its cognates include Christian, Christmas, and Christendom, all stemming from the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How christening is actually used
Primarily used in formal and religious contexts. Among some Protestant denominations, such as Baptists, the term 'christening' may be avoided in favor of 'dedication' or 'believer's baptism', since those traditions do not practice infant baptism. The extended nautical sense is somewhat old-fashioned but still used ceremonially.
Easily confused with christening
Baptism is the broader religious rite of initiation used across Christian denominations, while christening specifically emphasizes the bestowal of a name alongside baptism and is most associated with Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions.