Greek Name Days: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Celebrations

Greek name days are a cherished tradition that celebrates the saints' namesakes. These special days are observed throughout the year, offering a chance for families and communities to come together in joyful celebrations. This comprehensive list delves into the history and meanings behind hundreds of Greek names, providing insights into their significance and cultural relevance. Discover the rich tapestry of Greek name days and explore the unique stories woven into each name.
1. **Αγαπητός (Agapitos):** Beloved, cherished, dear
2. **Αγαθάγγελος (Agathangelos):** Good angel, messenger of good news
3. **Αγαθόνικος (Agathonikos):** Good conqueror, victorious
4. **Αγαθόπωπος (Agathopopos):** Good maker, creator
5. **Αγγελική (Angeliki):** Angelic, messenger of God
6. **Ανδρέας (Andreas):** Strong man, courageous
7. **Αντώνιος (Antonios):** Priceless, invaluable
8. **Αρτεμις (Artemis):** Goddess of the hunt, moon, and childbirth
9. **Ασπασία (Aspasia):** Lovely, charming
10. **Βαρβάρα (Varvara):** Foreigner, stranger
11. **Βασίλειος (Vasileios):** King, royal
12. **Βενιαμίν (Benjamin):** Son of my right hand, favored son
13. **Γεώργιος (Georgios):** Farmer, earthworker
14. **Γρηγόριος (Grigorios):** Watchful, alert
15. **Δημήτριος (Dimitrios):** Devoted to Demeter, goddess of agriculture
16. **Δέσποινα (Despoina):** Mistress, lady, queen
17. **Ελένη (Eleni):** Light, torch, shining one
18. **Ευαγγελία (Evangelia):** Good news, gospel
19. **Ευάγγελος (Evangelos):** Bringer of good news
20. **Ευθύμιος (Evthymios):** Cheerful, happy
21. **Ζαχαρίας (Zacharias):** God remembers, God has remembered
22. **Ηλέκτρα (Elektra):** Shining, bright
23. **Θαλασσινή (Thalassini):** Of the sea
24. **Θεοδώρα (Theodora):** Gift of God
25. **Θεοδόσιος (Theodosius):** Given by God
26. **Ιωάννης (Ioannis):** God is gracious
27. **Ιουλία (Ioulia):** Downy-haired, youthful
28. **Καλλιόπη (Kalliope):** Beautiful voice, Muse of epic poetry
29. **Κωνσταντίνος (Konstantinos):** Constant, steadfast
30. **Κυριακή (Kyriaki):** Belonging to the Lord, Lord's day
31. **Λάζαρος (Lazaros):** God helps, God is my help
32. **Λευτέρης (Lefteris):** Free, liberated
33. **Μαργαρίτα (Margarita):** Pearl
34. **Μαρία (Maria):** Bitter, rebellious
35. **Μαρκέλλα (Markella):** Warrior, battle-loving
36. **Μαρία (Maria):** Bitter, rebellious
37. **Μαρκέλλα (Markella):** Warrior, battle-loving
38. **Μάρκος (Markos):** Mars, god of war
39. **Ματθαίος (Matthaios):** Gift of Yahweh, gift of God
40. **Μελίνα (Melina):** Honey, honeybee
41. **Μιχαήλ (Mikhail):** Who is like God?
42. **Νικόλαος (Nikolaos):** Victory of the people
43. **Παύλος (Pavlos):** Small, humble
44. **Πέτρος (Petros):** Rock, stone
45. **Παναγιώτης (Panagiotis):** Holy, sacred
46. **Παναγιώτα (Panagiota):** Holy, sacred
47. **Σοφία (Sofia):** Wisdom
48. **Στέφανος (Stefanos):** Crown, wreath
49. **Σπύρος (Spyros):** Spirited, lively
50. **Στέλλα (Stella):** Star
51. **Χριστίνα (Christina):** Christian, follower of Christ
52. **Χρήστος (Christos):** Anointed, Messiah
53. **Χρυσούλα (Chrysoula):** Golden, golden-haired
54. **Ωρίων (Orion):** Hunter, constellation Orion