keresztanya
[ˈkɛrɛstɒɲɒ]
The English word 'godmother' is translated into Hungarian as keresztanya.
A godmother is the woman present at a baby's christening who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner.
Meaning: woman present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word keresztanya is a compound of kereszt, meaning 'cross' or 'christening' and anya, meaning 'mother'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of keresztanya is keresztanyák.
Did you know?
- In historical Hungarian customs, the choice of a keresztanya was a strategic social move to build alliances between two powerful families.
- While 'godmother' is a kinship term in English, keresztanya is part of a system where the godparent and the biological parent become 'spiritual siblings' or co-parents.
- The term keresztanya can be used informally to describe a woman who takes a protective, maternal interest in someone, even if no religious ceremony occurred.
Examples in context
- Keresztmama, mindig rád emlékszem a születésnapomon.Godmother, I always remember you on my birthday.
- A keresztanya nagyon kedves nő.The godmother is a very kind woman.
- Katalin a babáknak keresztanya lesz.Katalin will be the godmother to the babies.
- Ki lesz a keresztanya?Who will be the godmother?
Example conversation
László and Katalin are discussing the baby's christening.
- LászlóKatalin, legyél te a keresztanya!Katalin, you be the godmother!
- KatalinTényleg engem kérdezed?Are you really asking me?
- LászlóIgen, nagyon fontos személy vagy nekünk.Yes, you are a very important person to us.
- KatalinKöszönöm, nagyon szívesen vállalom!Thank you, I would be very happy to do it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godmother” translations and entries keresztanya, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
