Name Days in Bulgaria: How Bulgarians Celebrate Their Saints
Bulgarians mark not only birthdays but also the feast days of the saints they are named after. Here is what a name day involves and how to join in gracefully.
Illustration: AI-generated image
If you live in Bulgaria or have Bulgarian friends, you may have been invited to a celebration that is not a birthday. Perhaps it was a colleague’s ‘Imen den’, or you noticed people wishing each other ‘Chestit Imen den!’ on social media. This is the centuries-old custom of the name day, and it is one of the most cherished traditions in the country.
What is a name day?
A name day is the feast day of the Christian saint after whom a person is named. In the Orthodox calendar, almost every day is dedicated to at least one saint, and Bulgarians who carry that saint’s name celebrate on that date. For example, everyone named Ivan, Ivanka, Yoan or Yoana celebrates on 7 January, the day of St John the Baptist. Likewise, Georgi and Gergana celebrate on St George’s Day, and Dimitar and Dimitrina on St Demetrius’ Day.
Because so many Bulgarian names are derived from saints, a name day can often feel like a nationwide celebration. On certain dates, such as Ivanovden (St John’s Day) or Gergyovden (St George’s Day), you may find that a large portion of your acquaintances are celebrating. It is a joyful, community-centred tradition that brings families and friends together.
How Bulgarians celebrate
Unlike birthdays, name days are less about gifts and more about hospitality. The person whose name day it is typically opens their home to guests, or invites friends to a restaurant or café. They provide food and drinks, and sometimes sweets are handed out at work or among neighbours. You might be offered a slice of banitsa, a piece of cake, or a glass of rakia.
Guests usually bring a small gift, but it does not need to be elaborate. Flowers, a bottle of wine, or a box of chocolates are all appropriate. If you are close to the person, a more personal present is welcome. The greeting ‘Chestit Imen den!’ (Happy Name Day!) is said throughout the day, in person, by phone or in messages.
Which names have days?
Most traditional Bulgarian names are linked to a saint and therefore have a designated name day. Some of the most widely celebrated include Ivan (7 January), Yordan (6 January, Epiphany), Todor (first Saturday of Great Lent, St Theodore’s Day), Georgi (6 May), Dimitar (26 October), Nikola (6 December), and Maria (15 August, the Assumption). There are also popular name days for flowers and concepts, such as Tsvetnitsa (Palm Sunday, for those named after flowers) and Evdokia (1 March).
It is worth noting that some name days are tied to movable feasts, such as Easter or the first Saturday of Lent, so the date changes each year. Bulgarians are usually aware of these dates and will remind you.
Tips for guests
If you are invited to a name day celebration, the most important thing is to show up with a warm attitude. It is customary to say the greeting upon arrival and to congratulate the host. You do not need to stay for hours unless you wish to; many name day gatherings are informal drop-in events. Bringing a small token of appreciation is always thoughtful but never obligatory.
Understanding this tradition will help you connect more deeply with Bulgarian culture and its strong sense of community. So the next time someone tells you it is their ‘Imen den’, you will know exactly what to say and do.
