Question 1

How is a baptismal name chosen in the Orthodox tradition?

Accepted Answer

Often after the saint of the birthday, of the eighth day, when the name was given, or of the day of baptism. Many families choose a saint who has helped them.

Question 2

What is a name day?

Accepted Answer

The day the Church celebrates the saint whose name the child bears. On that day the child keeps their name day.

Question 3

Must the name be a saint's?

Accepted Answer

At baptism the child receives the name of a saint, who becomes their patron. If the civil name is not a saint's, a baptismal name is chosen too, with the priest's advice.

Question 4

What can I name a child born on a given day?

Accepted Answer

Choose the date in the name finder or open that day's page: it shows the saints of the day and of the eighth day, with their names for boys and girls.

Question 5

Are there rare but serious names?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Beside the well-known names, the Church keeps hundreds of less common saints' names, such as Theosevia, Agafia, Panaretos or Eleftherios.

Saints of December 20