What does godparent mean?
A godparent is a person who sponsors a child’s baptism or another Christian initiation and takes on a religious responsibility for the child’s spiritual upbringing. The role is commonly associated with a promise to support the child’s religious development, although the precise expectations vary among Christian traditions. A godparent may be a godfather or godmother and is often chosen from the child’s extended family or godparents. The relationship can continue long after the baptism, becoming a source of family support and connection. A godparent does not automatically become a legal guardian, and the word is used in both British and American English. In figurative use, “godparent to someone” can describe a person who provides especially generous guidance or support.
nounA person who sponsors a child’s baptism or another Christian initiation and accepts a religious responsibility for the child’s spiritual upbringing.
- A person who sponsors a child in the Christian tradition, especially at baptism, and accepts responsibility for the child’s religious upbringing.
"Her aunt became her godparent at the child’s baptism."
"Their godparent gave them a silver Bible when they were christened."
"As the child’s godparent, Elena promised to help him learn about the church’s traditions."
The regular plural is “godparents,” referring to two or more people serving as sponsors.
"The child’s godparents attended the baptism and gave him a present."
A godparent joins a child’s religious story, offering spiritual sponsorship at baptism and often lasting as a lifelong family connection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of godparent
Godparent is an English compound formed from “god” and “parent.” “God” continues Old English gōd, while “parent” comes through Old French from Latin parens, a term referring to a father or mother. The compound developed in Christian English for a person who sponsors a child’s baptism and takes responsibility for the child’s religious upbringing. Related forms include godfather, godmother, godchild, godson, and goddaughter.
How godparent is actually used
The term is used chiefly in Christian contexts and may refer to baptism, confirmation, or a broader role in a child’s religious upbringing. It is neutral in register and does not imply that the person is the child’s legal guardian.
Easily confused with godparent
A godfather is the male form of godparent, whereas godparent covers either a man or a woman.