Filipino Wedding Glossary › Ninang
Ninang
Pronunciation: NEE-nahng
Origin: Tagalog, female sponsor or godmother in Filipino Catholic and Christian weddings
A female principal sponsor at a Filipino wedding, who pledges to support the couple in the marriage.
Ninang is the female principal sponsor at a Filipino Catholic or Christian wedding. She stands with the couple at the altar and pledges to support them through their marriage.
Most Filipino weddings have multiple ninangs and ninongs (their male counterparts). The number varies; some couples have 4, others have 8 or more. Ninangs are usually older mentors, family friends, or relatives.
The role carries social weight beyond the wedding day: ninangs are expected to remain part of the couple's extended support network for life.