Name Day Calendar - the most common Greek name days

Traditionally, Greeks are named after their grand parents. First son after the father's father, second son after the mother's father, first daughter after the father's mother and second daughter after the mother's mother.

And you can't imagine how much fighting this tradition causes! If there is one reason grand parents don't speak to their children you can be pretty sure it's because a son or daughter was given the "wrong" name. I have a friend who keep postponing the Christianizing of her son because she fears what her father will say when he learns that he isn't named after him. You see, my friend's father already has three grandsons named after him and my friend thinks it could be nice to name her son something else then all his cousins...The kid is now soon two years old and still goes by the name bebis, baby. (You don't reveal the name until the actual baptizing takes place)

Well, if it isn't enough that you have to name the child after grandpa or grandma, you also have to make sure that the child is named after a saint (though ancient Greek names are accepted)- or prepare yourself for a fight with the priest. The more liberal priest will let you choose any name as there actually is the possibility that the child will grow up and become a saint himself one day.

Until now, it's been more common to celebrate the Greek name day than the birthday. And even if birthday is celebrated it certainly doesn't mean missing out on the Greek name day celebration! Here's a list of the most common Greek names and when they are celebrated. (Nick names in parenthesis). I also put the English version of the name next to the Greek, as many Greeks love to translate their name.<>P Remember that the saint feast at the church take place the evening before!