ονομαστική γιορτή
onomastikí giortífeminine
The English phrase "name day" is ονομαστική γιορτή (onomastikí giortí) in Greek.
The phrase ονομαστική γιορτή is used to refer to the specific feast day of the saint after whom a person is named.
Meaning: feast day of a saint (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective ονομαστική, which means onomastic or relating to a name and the noun γιορτή, which means celebration or feast.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a feminine noun phrase, so any accompanying adjectives or articles must also be in the feminine gender.
How do you pronounce it?
onomastikí giortí
When do people say it?
In Greek culture, name days are often celebrated as more significant social occasions than birthdays.
Did you know?
- Because many Greeks share the same name day based on the liturgical calendar, you might find yourself celebrating with dozens of acquaintances at once. This creates a collective social rhythm that isn't tied to individual birth dates.
- While birthdays are private family affairs, a ονομαστική γιορτή is traditionally an 'open house' event where friends can drop in without a formal invitation.
- The word γιορτή descends from the Ancient Greek word ἑορτή, which originally referred to a sacred festival or a day of ritual sacrifice.
Examples in context
- Χρόνια πολλά για την ονομαστική γιορτή!Happy name day!
- Σήμερα είναι η ημέρα γιορτής σου!Today is your name day!
- Η ονομαστική γιορτή της Μαρίας είναι σύντομα.I onomastikí giortí tis Marías eínai sýntoma.Maria's name day is coming soon.
- Η ονομαστική γιορτή είναι μια μεγάλη γιορτή εδώ.I onomastikí giortí eínai mia megáli giortí edó.The name day is a big celebration here.
Example conversation
Giorgos is talking to Maria about her upcoming celebration.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΜαρία, πότε είναι η ονομαστική γιορτή σου;Maria, pote einai i onomastiki giorti sou?Maria, when is your name day?
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι την ερχόμενη Τρίτη.Einai tin erchomeni Triti.It is next Tuesday.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘα φέρω ένα δώρο για σένα.Tha fero ena doro gia sena.I will bring a gift for you.
- Μαρία MariaΕυχαριστώ πολύ, Γιώργο!Efcharisto poly, Giorgo!Thank you very much, Giorgos!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “name day” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γιορτή, CC BY-SA 4.0.
