Taufpate

The Taufpate held or carried the child at the baptism and was a witness to it. A woman in this role is a Patin or Taufpatin, and the plural is Paten or Taufpaten. Their names were written in the church book, often with their home village and occupation.

The parents chose the godparents, so these names are worth copying: they may be relatives or neighbors who lead you back to the family. Older records may use Gevatter, an old word for godfather.