Godmother
/ˈɡɒdˌmʌðər/noun
A female sponsor at a baptism or a woman who acts as a kindly guardian or mentor.
Did you know?In early Christian usage, a godmother was not just a “nice woman” but a baptismal sponsor who took on real religious obligations for the child’s soul and upbringing.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
gōd mōdor
“A woman’s mother or female parent; later, by extension, a female sponsor in baptismal contexts”
Middle English
ME
godmoder
“A female baptismal sponsor, especially one who stood witness at a child’s christening”
Late Old English / Early Middle English
OE/ME
godsibb
“A close spiritual relative through baptism; later a sponsor or godparent”
14th Century
English
godmother
“A woman who sponsors a child at baptism and stands in a special spiritual relationship to that child”
Modern English
English
godmother
“A female baptismal sponsor or a woman who acts as a protective mentor or patron”