The common Spanish name for a quinceañera’s honored adult female sponsor is madrina.
Madrina literally means “godmother” or “female sponsor,” and in quinceañera planning it can describe a woman who supports the celebrant or contributes to an important part of the event. The corresponding masculine term is padrino.
A madrina may be a relative, family friend, or religious sponsor. Depending on local custom, sponsors may help with expenses, attend a religious service, present a ceremonial item, or take part in the formal court and reception.
There is no single worldwide rule defining a madrina’s duties. Some families use the word in a strongly religious sense, while others use it for practical event sponsorship. The term does not mean the quinceañera herself, and it is distinct from dama, which commonly refers to a female member of the court of honor.