Frequently Asked Questions

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What does a Greek name day mean?

A name day (γιορτή) is the feast day of the saint a person is named after, and in Greece it's often celebrated more than a birthday. If your name matches a saint on the Orthodox calendar, that saint's feast day becomes your name day.

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What is the most popular Greek girl name?

Names like Maria, Eleni, and Sofia have remained among the most given names in Greece for generations, often tied to major saints in the Orthodox calendar.

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How do Greeks traditionally name their daughters?

It's common in Greek families to name the first daughter after the paternal grandmother, and the second daughter after the maternal grandmother. This keeps names passed down through generations, which is part of why certain names like Maria, Eleni, and Vasiliki remain so common today.

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Why do some Greek girl names have so many spellings?

There's no single standard way to transliterate Greek letters into English, so names like Eleni can also appear as Eleny or Elenie depending on the source. They're the same name, just written differently.

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Do all Greek girl names have a name day?

No. Names rooted in Orthodox Christian tradition, like Maria or Eleni, have a name day tied to a saint's feast. Names from ancient Greek mythology, like Athina or Persefoni, don't have a name day since they aren't linked to a saint.