Name Day on September 15, 2026: Who Celebrates Their Name Day and the Meanings of Names
On September 15, people with many different first names—both male and female—celebrate their name days. Among them are not only familiar names like Andriy, Dmytro, Maksym, and Maria, but also rarer ones such as Herasym, Ignatiy, Makar, Yakiv, Rufina, and Serafima. Here’s what each of these names means and some beautiful ways to wish those celebrating their name day a happy day.
On September 15, 2026, the following people celebrate their name days: Andriy, Valeriy, Gerasim, Hryhoriy, Dmytro, Ivan, Ignatiy, Yosyp, Leonid, Makar, Maksym, Mykyta, Mykola, Petro, Stepan, Yakiv, Yevdokiya, Lyudmyla, and Maria. In more comprehensive name day calendars, you’ll also find Anatoliy, Anton, Bohdan, Vasyl, Viktor, Volodymyr, Herman, Demyd, Elizar, Yukhim, Mykhailo, Pavlo, Fedor, Philip, Julian, Oksana, Rufina, and Seraphim.
A name day is a special day for a person, when they commemorate the saint whose name they bear. For many families, it is another reason to get together, call a loved one, or simply say a few warm words.
Meaning of Male Names
Andriy is a name of ancient Greek origin. It is most often translated as “manly” or “brave.” The name is associated with strength of character, courage, and determination.
Valery comes from the Latin name Valerius. Its meaning is associated with the words “strong,” “healthy,” and “robust.” Traditionally, this name is associated with endurance and confidence.
Gerasim has ancient Greek origins. The name is translated as “dignified” or “respected.” It sounds unusual but has a long history and ancient Christian traditions.
Grigory comes from the Ancient Greek language. Its meaning is “vigilant” or “one who does not sleep.” The name is associated with attentiveness, prudence, and the ability to notice important details.
Dmytro has ancient Greek origins and is associated with the name Demeter—the goddess of the earth and fertility in ancient Greek mythology. Therefore, the meaning of the name is traditionally linked to Demeter.
Ivan is the Ukrainian form of the ancient Hebrew name Yohanan. It is translated as “God is gracious” or “God’s grace.” It is one of the most common male names in Ukraine.
Ignatius comes from the Latin name Ignatius. It is associated with the meanings “fiery” and “burning.” The name has a rather rare sound and an ancient history.
Joseph is a name of ancient Hebrew origin. Its meaning can be rendered as “God will add” or “God will multiply.” In the biblical tradition, this name has special significance.
Leonid comes from the Ancient Greek language. The name is associated with the word “lion,” so its meaning is often rendered as “lion-like” or “lion-like.”
Makar is an ancient Greek name meaning “happy” or “blessed.” It is one of the names that have regained popularity in Ukraine in recent years.
Maksym comes from the Latin “Maximus.” It means “the greatest” or “magnificent.” The name is often associated with a grand character and a drive to achieve lofty goals.
Mykita has ancient Greek origins. The name comes from a word meaning “victor.” Therefore, its traditional meaning is “victorious” or “one who triumphs.”
Mykola also comes from Ancient Greek. The name is formed from words meaning “victory” and “people,” so it is translated as “victor of the peoples.”
Petro comes from the Ancient Greek word “petros”—“stone,” “rock.” Therefore, the name is symbolically associated with strength, stability, and reliability.
Stepan is the Ukrainian form of the Ancient Greek name Stefan. It means “wreath” or “crown.” In ancient times, a wreath was a symbol of victory and honor.
Yakiv is a name of ancient Jewish origin. Its traditional meaning is associated with the phrases “one who follows” or “one who clings to the heel.” The name has biblical origins and a centuries-old history.
Meanings of Female Names
Eudokia comes from Ancient Greek. Her name is associated with the concepts of “good will,” “affection,” and “favor.” It is an ancient name that is much less common today than Maria or Lyudmila.
Lyudmila is a Slavic name composed of the words “people” and “kind.” Its meaning can be rendered as “kind to people” or “one whom people love.”
Maria is one of the oldest and most common female names. It has ancient Hebrew origins, but its exact meaning is still interpreted in various ways. Common interpretations include “beloved,” “desired,” and “bitter.”
Oksana is the Ukrainian form of the name Ksenia. It comes from Ancient Greek and is associated with the meanings “hospitable” and “foreigner.” The name has long since become independent and is very common in Ukraine.
Rufina is of Latin origin. Her name is associated with the word “rufus,” which means “red-haired” or “reddish.” It is a fairly rare female name, which is much less common today than Maria or Lyudmila.
Seraphima comes from the ancient Hebrew word “seraphim”—the name of heavenly beings in the biblical tradition. The name is often associated with the concepts of “fiery” and “blazing.” It has a soft sound but, at the same time, carries strong symbolic meaning.
How to Celebrate a Name Day
You don’t have to turn a name day into a big feast. The most important thing on this day is showing someone you care and offering warm words. You can congratulate the person in person, by phone, or via text message. If the person follows religious traditions, on their Name Day they can visit a church, pray, and remember their patron saint.
You can prepare a small gift for a loved one. It could be a book, flowers, their favorite sweets, something for a hobby, or simply a nice little token that shows you care. The greeting itself is just as important. It doesn’t have to be long or formal. It’s enough to wish them good health, peace, love, joy, and people by their side who will always support them.
How to Wish Someone a Happy Name Day
For a man, you can wish him strength, confidence, success in his endeavors, and reliable people by his side:
“Happy Name Day! I wish you good health, strength, good luck, and confidence in everything you do. May your guardian angel always be by your side and help you overcome all difficulties.”
A warmer greeting is appropriate for a woman:
“Happy Name Day! May your life be filled with as many happy moments, love, warmth, and kind people as possible. I hope every day brings reasons to smile, and may your guardian angel always watch over you.”
And for a loved one, you can keep it simple:
“Happy Name Day! May your heavenly guardian always watch over you, and may you be surrounded by people who make you feel at ease, warm, and at peace. Wishing you happiness, love, and the fulfillment of your deepest desires.”
A name day on September 15 is a great opportunity to remind your loved ones how important they are. Even a short, heartfelt greeting on this day can put someone in a good mood.
