christen

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkrɪs(ə)n/

verb

[with object]
  • 1give (a baby) a Christian name at baptism as a sign of admission to a Christian Church: [with object and complement]: their second daughter was christened Jeanette
  • give a name to (someone or something) which reflects a notable characteristic: [with object and complement]: we have christened our regular train home the ghost train
  • 2 informal use for the first time: he bought a new pair of boots and christened them with his first goal at the McAlpine Stadium

Derivatives

christener

noun

Origin:

Old English crīstnian 'make Christian', from crīsten 'Christian', from Latin Christianus, from Christus 'Christ'