In Greece, name days are celebrated with great enthusiasm, often more so than birthdays. August is a month filled with significant name days that bring joy and festivity across the country. Here’s a list of popular name days in August along with the names and dates:
August 6th – Transfiguration of Jesus Christ (Μεταμόρφωση του Σωτήρος)
- Sotirios (Σωτήριος)
- Sotiria (Σωτηρία)
This day commemorates the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor, where He revealed His divine glory to His disciples.
August 15th – Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου)
- Maria (Μαρία)
- Marios (Μάριος)
- Panagiotis (Παναγιώτης)
- Panagiota (Παναγιώτα)
One of the most significant feasts in the Greek Orthodox calendar, this day celebrates the Dormition (Assumption) of the Virgin Mary.
August 23rd – Apodosis of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Απόδοσις Κοιμήσεως Θεοτόκου)
- Maria (Μαρία)
- Marios (Μάριος)
- Panagiotis (Παναγιώτης)
- Panagiota (Παναγιώτα)
This day is the continuation and conclusion of the Dormition celebration, honoring the Virgin Mary.
August 27th – Saint Phanourios (Άγιος Φανούριος)
- Fanourios (Φανούριος)
- Fanouria (Φανούρια)
Saint Phanourios is known as the revealer of lost things, and many bake a special bread called “Fanouropita” in his honor.
August 29th – Beheading of John the Baptist (Αποτομή της Κεφαλής του Ιωάννου Προδρόμου)
- Ioannis (Ιωάννης)
- Ioanna (Ιωάννα)
- Prodromos (Πρόδρομος)
- Prodromi (Προδρομή)
This solemn day commemorates the beheading of Saint John the Baptist, a pivotal event in Christian history.
Celebrating Name Days
In Greece, name days are celebrated with visits from family and friends, who bring small gifts and well-wishes. Traditional sweets and foods are often shared, and it’s common for the person celebrating their name day to host a gathering or meal. It’s a time of joy, reflection, and cultural pride, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox tradition.
Make sure to wish your Greek friends “Χρόνια Πολλά” (Chronia Polla), meaning “Many Happy Years,” on their special name day!
