Christening
/ˈkrɪs.tən.ɪŋ/noun
A Christian sacrament of naming and dedicating a child to God, typically involving water.
Did you know?In ancient times, water used in christenings was believed to cleanse not just the body, but also to ward off evil spirits and bring divine protection.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
Old English
cristnian
“to make a Christian, to baptize.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*christinō
“of Christ, pertaining to Christ.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Χριστός (Christos)
“the anointed one, messiah.”
Latin
Latin
christianus
“a follower of Christ.”
12th Century
Middle English
cristeninge
“the act of baptizing or naming.”
Modern English
English
christening
“the ceremony of baptism, especially for infants.”
Explore more surprising origins