by baby&familyDeciding Together
Naming a Child After a Godparent: How to Make the Decision
Historically, naming a child after their godfather or godmother was an established tradition. Today, this requirement is no longer anchored in naming law, but it continues to be used by many families as a sign of bonding. Whether as a first name or a middle name: if you are considering passing down a godparent's name to your child, there are several practical aspects to consider. This guide will help you make a decision together.
What Matters When Choosing a Name After a Godparent
The decision of whether and how to pass on the name of a godfather or godmother to your child depends on various factors. It is about finding a solution that you as parents are happy with, while also establishing the desired bond with the godparent.
The position of the name: Today, the most common option is giving the godparent's name as a middle name. This offers the practical advantage that the child receives their own unique first name, while the family or friendship bond is recorded in official documents. If the godparent's name is chosen as the primary given name, keep in mind that this might lead to mix-ups in everyday life—such as at family gatherings.
Modernization and variation: Many traditional names of godparents might not match your taste for a modern first name. In this case, using variations, short forms, or international versions of the name is a great option. This preserves the origin while ensuring the name better fits your preferences. Cross-gender variations are also possible—for example, if a godfather is chosen for a girl or a godmother for a boy (such as Paul to Paula, or Antonia to Anton).
Open communication: Naming a child after a godparent should never happen out of pure obligation. If you decide against the name, communicating this early and objectively is helpful if family members hold expectations. The role of a godparent is defined by being there for the child, not by a given name.
A Five-Step Process: How to Find a Shared Solution
Discussions about names from your immediate circle are often tied to expectations. To make this decision in a structured and objective way as a couple, you can use the following process.
1. Clarify your fundamental perspective
First, talk about whether both of you support the idea of passing on the godparent's name. It is important that neither of you agrees to this step merely out of politeness. In this first step, do not yet settle on what the exact name should be, but only whether you want to adopt this tradition in your family.
2. Determine the position of the name
Decide together whether the godparent's name should serve as the first name or as a middle name. If you plan to use it as a middle name, you have complete freedom in choosing the first name. Once the godparent's name is set as a middle name, it serves as a fixed anchor to test how various first names sound in combination with it.
3. Brainstorm possible variations
If the exact given name of the godparent is not an option for you, look for alternatives. Write down the original name and note possible short forms, international translations, or cognates from the same name family alongside it. For instance, if the godfather is named Johannes, names like Hannes, Jan, Johann, or Jannis could be on your list.
4. Use technical support for comparison
To discover which variations both of you like, you can simplify the process digitally. In the HeyName app, you can link your devices via an invite and independently favorite or discard names. Names you both like appear as shared matches. You can also directly test how the first name sounds with the planned middle name and your last name, helping you check the flow of the entire name combination.
5. Involve the person in question
Once you have reached your decision, you can share it with the godparent. If you have chosen a modified form, briefly explain that this variation is an intentional tribute to them. This prevents misunderstandings and highlights your appreciation.
Ten Examples: How to Seamlessly Integrate the Godparent's Name
The following examples show how traditional godparent names can be modified to be used as a first name or a fitting middle name for your child.
- Godfather Thomas, child Tom: Tom is documented as a short form of Thomas and feels shorter and more modern as a first name, while the connection remains clear.
- Godmother Katharina, child Käthe: Käthe traces back to Katharina; both names share the same Greek word root, whose meaning is often interpreted as 'the pure one.'
- Godfather Alexander, child Xander: Xander is a documented short form of Alexander and offers an independent alternative if the original name feels too long.
- Godmother Elisabeth, child Lisa: Lisa is established as a short form of Elisabeth and works well as a short first name combined with the godmother's full name as a middle name.
- Godfather Michael, child Mika: Mika is considered a Nordic short form of Michael and gives the traditional name a contemporary sound.
- Godmother Margarete, child Greta: Greta is a documented short form of Margarete, whose Latin root word means 'pearl,' combining tradition with current popularity.
- Godfather Christian, child Chris: Chris works well as a direct, documented short form of Christian as a neutral middle name alongside multisyllabic first names.
- Godmother Johanna, child Jonna: Jonna is a Nordic form of Johanna and works well if the godmother's name is to be adapted while remaining recognizable.
- Godfather Heinrich, child Henri: Henri is the French form of Heinrich and is frequently chosen in German-speaking regions today as an independent, softer first name.
- Godmother Susanne, child Sanna: Sanna is documented as a Swedish short form of Susanne, whose Hebrew root means 'lily,' offering a rare yet direct alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naming After Godparents
Does the child have to carry the godparent's name?
No. Neither German naming law nor major Christian churches require a child to be given the name of their godparent. It is purely a tradition that once served as an honor, but today is completely voluntary. You are in no way restricted in your choice of names.
What if we do not like the godparent's name at all?
If neither the original name nor a variation works for you, simply refrain from passing on the name. Serving as a godparent is not tied to a given name. An alternative can be choosing just the same initial for the child's middle name to create a subtle connection without adopting the name itself.
Are we allowed to choose the godparent's name as a first name?
Yes, legally this is entirely possible. You should simply consider the practical implications in daily life. If godparent and child share the same first name and see each other frequently, you may need to establish nicknames to make clear in conversation who is being addressed.
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