Name days are special calendar dates linked to personal names, similar to birthdays but rooted in cultural or religious traditions. In many countries, people celebrate not just the anniversary of their birth but also the feast day of the saint or historical figure that shares their name. Today, modern adaptations include secular versions of name calendars, giving nearly everyone a chance to mark a second personal celebration in the year.

What Are Name Days?

A name day is a day of the year assigned to a personal name. For many people, this date is tied to Christian saints, where each saint’s feast day corresponds with given names associated with that saint. In secular versions, names are matched to dates based on alphabetical calendars, cultural anniversaries, or local conventions. Just like birthdays, name days often involve greetings, small gifts, family gatherings, or even office celebrations.

Origins of Name Day Traditions

The roots of name days trace back to early Christianity, where the liturgical calendar honored saints and martyrs on specific feast days. Parents naming their children after popular saints often celebrated both their child’s birthday and the saint’s feast. Over time, these two traditions were distinguished, with the name day becoming an important social observance in regions of Europe and beyond.

Outside of Christian contexts, many countries adopted name days as cultural events regardless of religious affiliation. Today, name day calendars are widely available online and even in secular formats so that modern names without saintly associations still have a special date assigned.

Countries That Celebrate Name Days

Greece

Greece is one of the countries where name days carry more weight than birthdays. Since most Greek names have religious roots, many correspond to Orthodox saints and major feast days. It’s customary to visit friends and family on their name day, often bringing sweets or flowers. Unlike birthdays, the person celebrating is the one offering food and hospitality to visitors.

Hungary

Hungary maintains detailed name calendars published annually, ensuring nearly every popular Hungarian name is represented. Schools and businesses recognize name days, and it’s common to receive flowers, chocolates, or notes at work. Birthday and name day celebrations are considered equally significant in Hungarian culture.

Poland

Poland also attaches strong importance to imieniny (name days). Although not officially recognized as public holidays, they are treated with respect and warmth in social circles. In fact, for older generations, name days sometimes overshadow birthdays. Calendars, newspapers, and even TV weather forecasts often mention whose name is being celebrated each day.

Sweden

Sweden maintains an official list of name days published by its Academy. Many Swedes still note name days through greeting cards and casual mentions, though the celebration is lighter compared with southern and eastern Europe. Still, families may use it as an excuse to share fika (coffee and cake) together.

Other Regions

• Slovakia – Highly celebrated with as much enthusiasm as birthdays.
• Latvia – People receive congratulations from coworkers and friends, with calendars prominently displaying name days.
• Italy & Spain – Tied to Catholic feast days; still meaningful in religious families.
• Russia & Ukraine – Often linked to Orthodox traditions and popular saints.

Religious Roots and Secular Adaptations

While many name days originate from Christian calendars, modern secular societies have adapted the practice. Some name day calendars include non-religious names, newly popularized baby names, or culturally modern names without saints. For example, in Finland, the official name day calendar is updated regularly by the Research Institute for the Languages of Finland to ensure inclusivity of diverse names.

How Are Name Days Different from Birthdays?

• Origin: Birthdays celebrate the personal anniversary of birth, while name days celebrate cultural, religious, or historical connections.
• Scope: Birthdays are individual; name days are shared by all people with the same name.
• Celebration style: Birthdays often center on gifts for the individual. In some traditions, the person celebrating a name day hosts and provides treats for others.

How to Find Your Name Day

If you’re curious about your own name day, there are several methods depending on your name and region:

1. Printed Name Day Calendars

Many calendars published in Europe include daily name day listings, often right alongside holidays and moon phases.

2. Online Name Day Databases

Dedicated websites allow you to type in your name and see when it’s celebrated across various national calendars.

3. Local Religious Sources

If you are named after a Christian saint, consulting a liturgical calendar from your church tradition (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican) will reveal the date of that saint’s feast.

4. Secular National Registries

Certain countries, such as Finland and Latvia, publish official name day registries updated regularly to reflect modern usage.

Modern Ways to Celebrate Your Name Day

• Host a small gathering of friends or family.
• Treat colleagues to pastries or coffee as a gesture of goodwill.
• Share a symbolic connection to your name’s origins—such as a story about the saint or cultural figure it relates to.
• Send a quick text or greeting card to friends and relatives celebrating their day—it’s a kind gesture widely appreciated.

Why Name Days Matter

In a busy world, name days provide another opportunity to pause and celebrate identity, history, and relationships. They strengthen community ties, honor cultural traditions, and give added personal meaning to our names. Even if your country does not widely celebrate them, observing your name day offers a unique chance to enjoy a second birthday-like event each year.

FAQ: Name Days Explained

What is the difference between a name day and a birthday?

A birthday marks the anniversary of your birth, while a name day corresponds to a cultural or religious calendar date linked to your name.

Do only Christians celebrate name days?

No. While name days started in Christian traditions, many modern name day calendars exist in secular or cultural contexts without religious meaning.

Where can I find my name day?

You can look it up in printed calendars, online databases, liturgical church calendars, or official national name registries.

Are name days still popular today?

Yes. In countries like Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Latvia, they are widely celebrated and socially important. In other regions, they may be less common but still recognized.

Do all names have a name day?

Not necessarily. Traditional calendars may omit modern names, but many countries update their calendars to include new or secular names.

What do people usually do on a name day?

Typical celebrations include hosting guests, bringing sweets to work, receiving flowers or cards, and exchanging well wishes.

Can I celebrate my name day even if my country doesn’t?

Absolutely. You can choose a calendar that matches your heritage, religion, or simply adopt a date from an online list that resonates with you.