honorary aunt
Unofficial maternal figure
An honorary aunt is a woman treated as family despite no blood or legal relation—typically a close friend of one's parents who takes on an aunt-like role in a child's life.
The designation acknowledges emotional bonds that function like kinship: My honorary aunt taught me to ride a bike.
Also called auntie by courtesy.
- godmotherFemale baptismal sponsor
- close friendIntimate, trusted companion
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- chosen familyIntentionally formed kinship network
nickname · affection · unofficial · beloved · trusted · surrogate · maternal · kinship · neighborhood · babysitter · school pickups · confidante · birthday cards · holidays · special occasions · Sunday dinners · warmth · warm embrace
- Trusted Adultsgodparent, godmother, godfather, guardian, mentor
- aunts and unclesmaternal uncle, paternal uncle, great-uncle, step-uncle
- chosen familychosen family, found family, framily, kindred spirits, adopted family