Christened

Christened is the past participle of the verb christen, which has two main senses. One sense is to perform the Christian rite of baptism, especially for infants, thereby initiating them into the church. The other sense is to confer a name upon someone or something, such as a person at a ceremony or a ship at launch. In everyday usage, christened can mean either the baptismal naming or simply the act of giving a name.

Etymology and origins trace the term to the concept of making someone a Christian, with the root connected to Christ. The act historically involved both a religious rite and the formal naming of the individual. Over time, the phrase “christening” became commonly associated with infant baptism, while “baptism” is the technical term for the sacramental rite in many traditions. In secular contexts, christened is often used to describe the formal naming of things, such as ships, buildings, or organizations.

In religious practice, christening is most closely linked to baptism in many Christian denominations, including Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant communities. The ceremony may include naming the child, prayers, and the pouring or immersion of water. In some traditions, baptism and naming are distinct steps, while in others the naming occurs as part of the baptismal rite. The term can also describe a non-religious naming event, especially for notable objects or ventures.

Ship christening is a well-known secular use of the term. It denotes the ceremonial naming and launching of a vessel, traditionally marked by breaking a bottle of champagne on the hull. This ritual signals the vessel’s entry into service and is often accompanied by blessings or speeches.