"Godfather is a term used by his friends, one of affection, one of respect."

―Tom Hagen^[src]

The Godfather is an honorary title given to a boss or Don of a crime family. It's normally used to address an older and infuential boss, as a sign of respect.

However, in Christianity the title is given to someone who sponsors a child's baptism. A male godparent is a godfather, and a female godparent is a godmother. The child is a godchild (godson, goddaughter).

Vito Corleone was addressed as Godfather by his close associates, while he was a godparent to Johnny Fontane. Michael Corleone became godfather to Connie Corleone and Carlo Rizzi's child Michael Francis.

Other examples are Osvaldo Altobello, who was Connie Corleone's godfather, Peter Clemenza, who was the godfather of Santino Corleone, and Vincent Forlenza, who was the godfather of Nick Geraci.