Christening wishes: for a girl, for a boy, from the godmother, and little rhymes

Insights · Christening

A card, a guest book, a message to the parents. At a christening everyone wants to say something beautiful to the child, but the right words don't always come. Here are christening wishes for every occasion, all written by us. Pick the one that sounds like you.

You will find short wishes for a card, wishes for a baby girl's and a baby boy's christening, wishes from the godmother and godfather, wishes for the parents, little rhymes, and the traditional phrases you'll hear in church.

Contents (10)

1. The traditional wishes of the day
2. Short christening wishes for a card
3. Wishes for a baby girl's christening
4. Wishes for a baby boy's christening
5. Wishes from the godmother and godfather
6. Wishes for the parents
7. Little christening rhymes
8. Where to write your wishes
9. The wish that lasts forever
10. Frequently asked questions about christening wishes

The traditional wishes of the day

In church and at the reception, the wishes you'll hear most are short and simple:

• "Na sas zisei!" (May the child live long for you) to the parents and godparents.
• "Long live the newly baptised!" for the child.
• "May the child be healthy and happy."
• "Enjoy every moment with your little one."
• "And to yours!", which the parents say to those who don't have children yet.
• "Panta axia!" or "Panta axios!" (May you always be worthy!) to the godmother or godfather.

Short christening wishes for a card

Short enough for a card, the guest book or a text message.

• May you grow up with health, love and lots of smiles.
• May the light of this day stay with you all your life.
• May you always be happy, and make everyone who loves you happy too.
• Welcome to our big family. Long may you live!
• May God keep you safe, and may you always be surrounded by love.
• May your life be full of light, like your christening candle.
• Health and joy in every step you take, little one!
• May you carry the name you were given today with joy!

Wishes for a baby girl's christening

• Our little princess, may you grow up sweet and strong!
• May you bloom like the flowers of your special day and spread joy wherever you go.
• May your life be as beautiful as your smile.
• May you have your mother's kindness, your father's strength and a sparkle all your own.
• Dream big, and may you always have the courage to go after your dreams.
• Long live the newly baptised girl! Healthy and happy, always.
• May the light of your christening guide every step you take, little one.
• May you always have as much love around you as you have today.
• May you have friends for life and a laugh that fills the whole house.
• Little one, may you be loved as much as you love.

Wishes for a baby boy's christening

• May you grow up healthy and kind-hearted, our little hero!
• May you always have friends by your side, laughter on your lips and love in your heart.
• May you become someone who makes the world a little more beautiful.
• Long live the newly baptised boy! Healthy and happy, always.
• May you explore, discover and achieve whatever you dream of.
• May you always do your new name proud.
• May you always be your parents' pride and a joy to us all.
• May every day be as full of light as today.
• May you have the courage to try and the kindness to help.
• Little one, may you always run towards whatever makes you happy.

Wishes from the godmother and godfather

In Greece, the godparent gives the child their name and becomes a second parent in faith. That's why their wishes tend to be the most personal.

• Today I gave you your name. I'll always be by your side, to listen to you and to love you.
• From today you have one more person looking out for you, always. Long may you live, my godchild.
• It was an honour to hold you at the font. May you grow up healthy and fill us with joy.
• Whatever you need, however big you get, I'll always be here for you.
• I wish you a life as bright as the candle I held for you today.
• Your godmother forever: at every birthday, every first step and every dream.
• Today you received your name from me. Wear it with pride, my godchild.

Wishes for the parents

• May your little one live long! Enjoy them and be proud of every step they take.
• May your child always be healthy and fill you with joy and pride.
• Long live your little one, and may you watch them grow up happy.
• Congratulations on this special day. May your home always be full of health and love.
• May your child live long, and may God let you see them on their own wedding day.

Little christening rhymes

For those who want something more playful, in the guest book or on the card with your gift.

• Little angel, sweet as a song, may you live happy, healthy and blessed all life long.
• White as your candle, your life shining bright, may all your heart longs for turn out just right.
• Today you got your name, today you got your light, may God keep you safe by day and night.
• Our little fairy, sweet as a bee, may your life be the loveliest story we see.
• Our brave little boy, our angel so sweet, may your many long years be joyful and complete.

Where to write your wishes

• In the reception guest book. Write something the child will want to read when they grow up.
• On a card with your gift. A short, personal wish is worth more than a long text.
• In a letter for the future. Many godparents write a letter for the child to open at eighteen.
• In a message to the parents. If you can't be there, a warm message shows them you were thinking of them.

The wish that lasts forever

The child won't remember their christening day. They will come to know it through the photographs: their mother's gaze, the godparent's hands at the font, the faces of everyone who came to wish them well. That's why we photograph every christening as a story they'll be able to read one day. See our guide to baptism photography and to the cost of a christening photographer.

To see how we photograph baptisms, visit our baptism photography in Patras page.