Here are some of the name days we celebrate in September!
Afrodite, Antigoni, Aspasia, Athina, Cleopatra, Diamanto, Ismene, Kalliroi, Kleoniki, Sapfo, Terpsihori, Thalia – September 1
The reason why there are several female names celebrated on the 1st September is because it is a day that commemorates the holy forty virgin martyrs with their teacher, deacon Ammoun who were captured and tormented for refusing to denounce their faith. Read more here.
Aristion – September 3
Myron – September 2
Named after Saint Myron, a Christian saint from Crete.
Phevos/Phevi – September 3
Hermioni – September 4
Hermioni of Ephesus is a 2nd-century saint and martyr known as a great healer.
Zaharias – September 5
In honour of Prophet Zacharias, father of John the Baptist.
Evdoxios – September 6
Tsampika – September 8
Celebrating The Patroness of the island of Rhodes, Panagia Tsampika Monastery (Virgin Mary of Tsampika).
Evanthia – September 11
Theodora – September 11
Aristidis – September 13
Stavros – September 14
On this day, Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Elevation of the Holy Cross.
Theoklis – September 14
Nikitas – September 15
Honoring Saint Nikitas the Goth, a Christian martyr of the 4th century.
Efimia – September 16
Melina – September 16
Sofia, Faith, Hope, Love (Pisti, Elpida, Agapi) – September 17
Named after Saint Sophia and her three daughters, Faith, Hope, and Love, who were martyred.
Ariadne – September 18
Celebrated on the feast day of St. Ariadne, a Christian martyr.
Saint Ariadne of Phrygia (Greek: Άριάδνη; died 130 AD) is a 2nd-century Christian saint and martyr.
Efstathios / Efstathia – September 20
In honor of Saint Efstathios, a Roman martyr and military saint.
Loizos/Loiza – September 22
Phokas – September 22
Polixeni – September 22
Xanthipos/Xanthippi – September 22
Mirsini – September 24
Mirto – September 24
Persefoni – September 24
Thekla – September 24
Efrosini – September 25
Kallistratos – September 27
Celebrating the feast day of St. Kallistratos, a martyr.
Kyriakos/Kyriaki – September 29
Celebrating Saint Kyriakos, who lived in Palestine.
Name days are very important in Greece, often celebrated more enthusiastically than birthdays. If you want to learn more about any specific celebration, let me know!
