marraine

Marraine is a French noun meaning godmother, the female sponsor selected to assist in a child’s baptism within many Christian traditions. The male counterpart is parrain, and together they are commonly referred to as the child’s godparents. In Catholic practice, a marraine vows to support the child’s faith and spiritual upbringing, standing with the family during the baptism and taking responsibility for guiding the child in religious education and moral formation, should the parents and the church request it. The marraine is typically expected to maintain an ongoing relationship with the child, offering encouragement, guidance, and support as they grow.

Etymology and usage in language indicate that marraine derives from older French forms related to the concept of a sponsor or godparent. In modern French, the term is used primarily in religious and family contexts. In English-language texts, the word marraine is uncommon, with godmother and related terms serving as direct translations.

Beyond baptism, the word can be extended to mean a sponsor or mentor associated with other life events or charitable activities, especially in contexts where a person acts as a patron or guardian figure for an individual or project. The term reflects social roles that emphasize partnership, mentorship, and spiritual or moral support within a family or community.