Greek Names – Introduction

Greek Names – Introduction

Greek Names Info

Greek names reflect a long history and an unbroken line of centuries within a family; usually, when a child is born it is given the name of its grandmother or grandfather accordingly, although lately some modern couples tend to break the tradition and the naming rule, choosing names they like.

The name is given to the child by baptism at the church during the first 6-8 months of its life, although there is civil procedure too, which doesn’t involve the church.

Name Days in Greece

In Greece everyone celebrates his name day; according to the Greek Orthodox Church, every day of the year is dedicated to the memory of a Saint or martyr of the church, therefore the name carries the Saint’s name.

The bearers of this name celebrate their nameday every year on the exact same date; if somebody is named Alexandros will celebrate his nameday on August 30^th or if she is Marina on July 17^th. Some name days are floating though, and change each year based on the Easter or other celebrations.

During the name day Greeks organize celebrations at an open home or elsewhere, where everyone can go and wish them for their name, while gifts are given; meals, drinks and dances also go.

Greek Names in Different Versions

Greek names derive mostly from the Orthodox Church Calendars, although many Greeks bear names of Greek Gods and important personalities and mythological individuals of the rich Greek Ancient History. Especially today there is a tendency to give ancient Greek names to newborns, as increasingly more people acknowledge their special charm.

Greek names come in different versions; although there is one “basic” name, there are numerous nicknames produced and used. Some of them derive from the tradition, some other from jokes, or some others reflect a cute regard.

Therefore, you might see many people celebrating their name day at the same day, while their names are somewhat different; the secret is that they have different nicknames for the same baptismal name. Depending on the region of origin or other denominators, the same name can have many different versions.

Follow us on an exploration and explanation of the most commonly used Greek Names.