The Tradition of Name Day Gifting in Cyprus
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Imagine this: it is a sunny morning in Cyprus and you wake up to the smell of coffee and the gentle hum of voices. Neighbours, cousins, even your koumbaros pop by unannounced. They bring flowers, a box of sweets, or a small wrapped present. Why? Because it is your name day, the day your name, tied to a saint, is celebrated.
In Cyprus, name days are not just personal milestones. They are social and cultural occasions where families open their doors, hospitality flows endlessly, and gifting becomes a way to show love and respect.
Why Name Days Are Special in Cyprus
Unlike birthdays, which belong only to you, name days connect you to something bigger: faith, tradition, and community. They are moments when even distant relatives remember to call, neighbours stop by, and friends bring small gifts to say “Χρόνια Πολλά”.
It is this communal warmth that makes name days so meaningful. They are less about age and more about identity, celebrating not just who you are but the name you carry.
Complete Cyprus Name Day Calendar
If you want to make sure you never miss an important date, here’s a full Cyprus name day calendar with meanings, so you can always be ready to surprise your loved ones.
| Month | Date | Name(s) | Meaning & Celebration |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 Jan | Vasilis / Vasiliki | From Basil, meaning royal or kingly. Linked to St. Basil the Great, symbol of generosity. |
| 7 Jan | Ioannis / Ioanna | From John, meaning God is gracious. Honouring St. John the Baptist. | |
| February | 10 Feb | Charalambos | Meaning joyful light. Celebrates St. Charalambos, known as a healer and protector. |
| March | 25 Mar | Evangelos / Evangelia | Meaning bearer of good news. Linked to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. |
| April | 23 Apr | Giorgos / Georgia | From George, meaning farmer or earth worker. Honouring St. George, patron saint of farmers and soldiers. |
| May | 5 May | Irene | Meaning peace. Linked to St. Irene, symbol of harmony and compassion. |
| 21 May | Konstantinos / Elena | Constantine means steadfast, Helen means light/torch. Celebrates Saints Constantine & Helen, founders of Constantinople. | |
| June | 24 Jun | Ioannis | Celebrating the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (God is gracious). |
| July | 17 Jul | Marina | Meaning of the sea. Celebrates St. Marina, symbol of purity and strength. |
| 20 Jul | Elias | From Elijah, meaning my God is Yahweh. A prophet known for faith and miracles. | |
| August | 6 Aug | Sotirios / Sotiria | Meaning savior. Celebrated on the Feast of the Transfiguration. |
| 15 Aug | Maria / Panayiota | Maria (Mother of Christ) and Panayiota (all-holy). Celebrated on the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, one of the biggest feasts in Cyprus. | |
| September | 8 Sep | Despoina / Maria | Despoina means lady/mistress. Celebrating the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. |
| 14 Sep | Stavros | Meaning cross. Celebrated on the Feast of the Holy Cross. | |
| 17 Sep | Sophia, Elpida, Agapi, Pisti | Meaning wisdom, hope, love, faith. Celebrated together as the daughters of St. Sophia. | |
| October | 18 Oct | Loukas | Luke, meaning from Lucania. Honouring St. Luke the Evangelist, patron of artists and doctors. |
| 26 Oct | Dimitrios / Dimitra | From Demetrius, meaning earth lover. Linked to St. Demetrius, protector of Thessaloniki. | |
| November | 6 Nov | Demetrian | Cypriot saint, Bishop of Khytri, honoured for piety and protection of the faithful. |
| 8 Nov | Michael / Gabriel | The Archangels, protectors and messengers of God. | |
| December | 6 Dec | Nikolaos | From Nicholas, meaning victory of the people. Honouring St. Nicholas, patron of sailors and children. |
| 25 Dec | Christos / Christina | Names tied to Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ. |
Choosing the Perfect Gift for a Name Day
Now comes the fun part: choosing the gift. In Cyprus, tradition blends beautifully with creativity:
- Flowers and sweets are timeless classics that never fail to bring a smile.
- Handmade gifts carry personal warmth and show thoughtfulness.
- Customized gift boxes are the modern favourite, curated to suit the recipient’s personality.
- Looking for a gift for men? Think gourmet snacks, stylish notebooks, or a quality mug.
- Need a birthday gift that coincides with a name day? Double the joy with something personalised and festive.
The best gifts are not about price, but about meaning.
Why Gifting CY Is the Heart of Name Day Surprises
Here is where the story comes full circle. Imagine you want to surprise your best friend on their name day, but time is short. With Gifting CY, you do not just buy a present, you create a memory.
Every box is thoughtfully curated, reviews show customers’ delight, and with fast island-wide delivery, you can send love even if you cannot be there in person. That is why Gifting CY is considered the best gift shop in Cyprus, the best gift shop in Cyprus trusted to turn traditions into unforgettable moments.
Name days in Cyprus are living traditions, binding families, friends, and communities together. And nothing says “Χρόνια Πολλά” better than a thoughtful gift.
So, next time you need the perfect surprise, visit www.giftingcy.com and discover why it is the go-to gift shop Cyprus loves.
Because every name deserves a gift worth remembering.
2 comments
Love this!
Bookmarked :)
Love this list!
And thank you for the amazing gift and support <3