In most parts of the world, your birthday is your biggest personal celebration of the year. But in Greece? There’s another day that might matter even more: your name day.
For many Greeks, name days are bigger than birthdays—publicly acknowledged, widely celebrated, and deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions. If you’re visiting Greece or getting to know the culture, understanding name days will help you connect more meaningfully with locals—and maybe even join in the festivities.
What Is a Name Day?
A name day (or “γιορτή” / yiortí in Greek) is a celebration tied to the feast day of a saint or religious figure. Since many Greeks are named after saints, every day of the year corresponds with one or more names being celebrated.
For example:
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Yannis (John) – celebrated on January 7 (St. John the Baptist)
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Maria – celebrated on August 15 (Assumption of the Virgin Mary)
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George (Giorgos) – celebrated on April 23 or Easter Monday
💡 If you’re named after a saint, that day is your name day—and people will call, visit, or message to wish you “Χρόνια Πολλά” (Happy Many Years).
Why Name Days Matter So Much in Greece
1. It’s a Shared Celebration
Unlike birthdays, name days are communal. Dozens (or millions!) of people celebrate on the same day—so the energy is contagious.
2. Open House Tradition
It’s common for Greeks to host guests without invitations—especially older generations. Expect drinks, sweets, or even full meals offered to anyone who drops by.
3. It’s Less About Age, More About Honor
Birthdays remind us we’re getting older. Name days, on the other hand, are timeless, centered around your name and its cultural/religious significance.
Do You Bring Gifts?
Yes—but nothing extravagant. Typical name day gifts include:
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A box of sweets or chocolates
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A bottle of wine or ouzo
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A small religious token or flowers
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💡 If you’re close to someone celebrating, a personal gift is welcome. Otherwise, a warm wish is enough.
How Do Greeks Celebrate Name Days Today?
Traditionally, name days were major social events, especially in rural areas. While some customs have faded in urban life, many Greeks still:
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Receive dozens of calls and texts on their name day
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Host informal gatherings or go out with friends
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Expect well-wishes from coworkers, neighbors—even strangers
💡 Even banks and businesses may acknowledge employees’ name days with flowers or treats!
How to Know When Someone’s Name Day Is
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Use online calendars like eortologio.gr
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Many Greek phone calendars include name day notifications
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Ask! Greeks often know when the big ones (like George, Dimitris, Maria) fall
Final Thought: Celebrate the Name, Not Just the Person
Name days are a beautiful mix of religion, community, and cultural identity. They’re not just about you—they’re about your name, its history, and the collective spirit of those who share it.
So the next time you’re in Greece and someone mentions it’s their name day, don’t be surprised if you’re offered cake, ouzo, and a warm welcome—even if it’s your first time meeting.
