What does godson mean?
A godson is a boy who has a godparent: an adult who has formally agreed to take a supportive, often religious role in his life, traditionally through baptism or christening. The word identifies a relationship of spiritual or moral kinship rather than biological descent. In Christian practice, a godparent may help instruct the child in the faith and provide assistance or gifts; in modern, sometimes secular families, the title can be used for a lasting bond formed at a birth, naming ceremony, or wedding. The female equivalent is a goddaughter, while “godchild” covers children of any sex. “Godson” is relatively formal and belongs especially to family, religious, and biographical contexts, but many families use it warmly and casually to describe the special relationship between a child and a chosen godparent. Although it can sound old-fashioned in some English-speaking communities, the term remains familiar and precise wherever sponsorship and chosen family relationships are being discussed.
nounA male child for whom someone has agreed to act as a godparent, traditionally in connection with a Christian baptism or christening.
- A boy who has a godparent, especially one whose sponsorship was undertaken at a baptism or christening.
"Her godson called her every Sunday, as he had done since his christening."
"Her godson called her every Sunday, as he had done since his christening."
"The boy was their godson, and his godparent had promised to guide him as he grew."
The regular plural adds -s and takes no change in spelling.
"They have three godsons scattered across the country."
A godson’s title records a chosen kinship: he is not biologically related to his godparent, but the godparent assumes a lasting duty of care.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of godson
Godson is an English compound built from Old English gōd, meaning “god,” and sunu, the ancestor of modern “son.” In medieval Christian usage it referred to a child sponsored at baptism by a godparent, and its modern continuation preserves that sense. Comparable formations occur in other Germanic languages, including Dutch godszoon and German Gotensohn.
How godson is actually used
The term is relatively formal and traditionally Christian, but it is also used for secular or honorary parent-child bonds. It specifies a male child rather than a child of any sex.
Easily confused with godson
A godson is specifically a male child with a godparent, whereas godchild is the gender-neutral term for either a male or female child in the same relationship.