What Do We Call the Godparents at a Naming Ceremony?

Welcoming a child into the world is a momentous occasion, and many families opt for a naming ceremony to mark the start of their journey. Unlike traditional christenings or baptisms, a non-religious naming ceremony allows for greater flexibility and personalisation, including how we name and involve those who will play a significant role in the child’s life. So, what do we call the godparents at a naming ceremony?

The Role of Godparents in Naming Ceremonies

The concept of godparents originates from religious traditions, where they provide spiritual guidance and witness the child’s baptism. In a secular naming ceremony, the role shifts to focus on mentorship, support, and being a positive influence in the child’s life.

At its core, the naming ceremony is a chance for parents to select special individuals who will play a part in the child’s upbringing, offering advice, love, and support. With independent celebrants, there are no restrictions, allowing for meaningful and unique ways to honour these figures.

Read More: Can we involve godparents in a naming ceremony?

Alternative Titles for Godparents

One of the joys of a naming ceremony is the freedom to move away from traditional titles and embrace terms that reflect the family’s beliefs and creativity. Here are some popular and unique alternatives:

Classic and Popular Titles

• Guideparents
• Mentors
• Supporting Adults
• Special Adults
• Life Mentors
• Guardians (non-legal standing)
• Honorary Aunties and Uncles
• Friend-parents

Whimsical and Fun Alternatives

• Fairy Godparents
• Squadparents
• Odd-Parents
• Sparents
• God-less-Parents
• Fairly Ungodly-Mother (yes, it’s a thing!)

Cultural Variations

• In Portuguese and Spanish-speaking cultures, the terms Compadre and Comadre (co-father and co-mother) are used.
• In Spain and Portugal, where the best man and maid of honour traditionally take on the godparent role, Padrino (best man) and Madrina (maid of honour) are common.

While the role of spiritual mentors stems from Christian traditions, other religions, such as Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism, do not have equivalent roles tied to naming ceremonies, reflecting their unique approaches to welcoming children.

A More Spiritual Approach

For families seeking a spiritual touch, titles such as Guiding Star or Guardian Angel can add a meaningful layer. Extended families often include Honorary Aunties and Uncles, while “Friend-Parent”—coined by agony aunt Claire Rayner—is a sweet and endearing option.

Celebrants have encountered a variety of unusual names in ceremonies, including Sparent, Odd-Parent, and even God-less-Parent. And for the whimsical among us, how about a Fairly Ungodly-Mother?

Personalising Titles for non-religious godparents

The beauty of a naming ceremony is its adaptability. Parents can choose titles that resonate with their culture, beliefs, or family values. For instance:

• A creative family might opt for “Squadparent” to reflect their close-knit friendship group.
• Spiritual families may lean towards titles like “Guardian Angel.”
• Families with a love of whimsy might embrace “Fairy Godparents.”

Independent celebrants are skilled at incorporating these personalised touches, ensuring that the chosen titles feel natural and meaningful within the ceremony.

Adding Vows and Certificates for Alternative Godparents

A naming celebrant can play a significant role in elevating the importance of alternative godparents within the naming ceremony. They can help craft bespoke vows for the chosen individuals, allowing them to publicly affirm their commitment to the child’s life and growth. These vows can be deeply personal, humorous, or heartfelt, reflecting the unique relationship between the child and the guide parent.

To further commemorate their role, celebrants can present the alternative godparents with beautifully designed Guide Parent Certificates. These certificates serve as a tangible reminder of the promises made and the special connection shared. This added touch ensures that the guide parents feel honoured and celebrated as a vital part of the child’s journey.

How to Choose the Right Title

Selecting a title for a naming ceremony can be a collaborative process. Here are some tips to guide you:

Embrace Creativity: Feel free to invent a title that perfectly encapsulates the relationship.

Reflect on the Role: Consider the values and responsibilities you wish to instil in the title.

Involve the Chosen Individuals: Discuss options with them and choose a title that aligns with their personality and the bond they share with your child.

Incorporating Godparents into the Ceremony

Once the titles are chosen, there are many ways to weave these special individuals into the ceremony:

• Vows and Promises: Godparents can prepare personalised vows or promises to the child, adding heartfelt significance.
• Symbolic Actions: Include them in rituals such as handfasting, unity candle lighting, or sand ceremonies.
• Readings or Songs: They can share a meaningful poem, passage, or even sing a favourite song.

A naming ceremony is an opportunity to create a truly unique celebration of your child’s arrival. By embracing alternative titles for godparents, you can honour the special people in your child’s life in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Whether you prefer whimsical, spiritual, or traditional names, the flexibility of a non-religious naming ceremony ensures there are no limits to how you celebrate your family’s love and unity.

Finding Your Perfect Naming Celebrant

A celebrant is key to crafting a unique and meaningful naming ceremony that truly reflects your family’s values and aspirations. With their expertise, they can guide you through every step, from choosing titles for alternative godparents to incorporating special rituals and creating a personalised script.

To find the right celebrant for your naming ceremony, explore our directory of Independent Celebrants. Look for someone whose style resonates with your vision and who can help make your celebration truly unforgettable.

How a Celebrant Can Help You With a Naming Ceremony

The role of a celebrant is not only to write and craft the Naming Ceremony but to lead all proceedings on the day. It is their responsibility to create a meaningful, personalised ceremony that perfectly encapsulates you and your child’s life.

To find out more, read our full guide on Naming Ceremonies.

To find your perfect Celebrant, browse our worldwide Celebrant Directory.

Photographer Credit: Amber Varghese

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our blog on naming ceremony ideas or connect with a celebrant today to craft the perfect celebration for your little one.