Name Day on August 17, 2026: Who Celebrates Their Name Day, the Meaning of Names, and Greetings
On August 17, several male names, as well as the female name Ulyana, celebrate their name days. According to the new church calendar, this day marks the name day for Dmytro, Illia, Myron, Oleksii, Pavlo, and Ulyana. According to the old calendar, the list is different and much longer—Andriy, Denys, Dmytro, Ivan, Kostyantyn, Kuzma, Mykhailo, Oleksiy, Semen, Daryna, and Iryna celebrate their name days.
Who Celebrates Their Name Day on August 17, 2026
According to the new church calendar, August 17 is the name day for Dmytro, Illia, Myron, Oleksii, Pavlo, and Ulyana.
Dmytro
Dmytro is a name of ancient Greek origin. It is associated with the name Demeter—the goddess of agriculture and fertility in ancient Greek mythology. Therefore, the meaning of the name is traditionally linked to Demeter and her cult.
Ilya
Ilya comes from the ancient Hebrew language. The name is associated with the phrase “My God is the Lord.” One of its most famous bearers in the Bible is the prophet Elijah, who is particularly revered in the Christian tradition.
Myron
Myron is of ancient Greek origin. It is associated with the word *myron*, which means “myrrh,” “fragrant oil,” or “fragrant.” Because of this, the name is often associated with a pleasant aroma and peace.
Alexei
Alexei is a name of Greek origin. It comes from a word meaning “to defend” or “to protect,” so the name’s meaning is traditionally rendered as “defender” or “helper.”
Paul
Pavlo comes from the Latin Paulus. It means “small” or “modest,” and is also interpreted as “humble.” It is one of the most famous Christian names, as it was borne by the Apostle Paul.
Ulyana
Ulyana is the feminine form of the name Julian. It is of Latin origin and is associated with the family name Julius. Various sources interpret the meaning of the name as “of the Julian family” or “Julian.”
Name Day: August 17 (Old Style)
According to the old church calendar, August 17 is the name day for Andriy, Denys, Dmytro, Ivan, Kostyantyn, Kuzma, Mykhailo, Oleksiy, Semen, Daryna, and Iryna.
Andriy
Andriy is a name of ancient Greek origin. It derives from the word *andreios*, which means “manly,” “brave,” or “courageous.” One of the most famous bearers of this name is the Apostle Andrew the First-Called.
Denis
Denis is a form of the ancient Greek name Dionysius. It is associated with the name Dionysus—the god of viticulture and fertility in ancient Greek mythology. Therefore, the name is often interpreted as “dedicated to Dionysus.”
Dmytro
Just like in the modern style, Dmytro has ancient Greek origins and is associated with the name of the goddess Demeter. Its traditional meaning is linked to agriculture, fertility, and the cult of Demeter.
Ivan
Ivan derives from the ancient Hebrew name Yohanan. Its meaning is “God is gracious,” “God has shown mercy,” or “God’s grace.” It is one of the most common Christian names, borne by numerous saints.
Constantine
Konstantin is of Latin origin and derives from the word *constans*. It is translated as “constant,” “steadfast,” or “unwavering.” The name is associated with endurance and strength of character.
Kuzma
Kuzma is the Ukrainian form of the Greek name Kosmas. It is linked to the word *kosmos*, meaning “world,” “order,” “beauty,” and “harmony.” The name has a long Christian tradition.
Mykhailo
Mykhailo comes from the ancient Hebrew language. It means “Who is like God?” This name takes the form of a rhetorical question that emphasizes the greatness of God.
Alexei
Alexei means “defender” or “one who protects.” The name has ancient Greek origins and derives from the word alexein—“to defend” or “to repel an attack.”
Semen
Semen is the Ukrainian form of the ancient Hebrew name Shimon. Its traditional meaning is “heard by God” or “God has heard.” The name is associated with biblical tradition.
Daryna
There are several theories regarding the origin of Daryna. It is associated both with the ancient Persian name Darius and with the Slavic interpretation of the word “gift.” Therefore, common interpretations include “she who possesses goodness,” “strong,” and “gifted.”
Irina
Iryna comes from the ancient Greek name Eirene. Its meaning is “peace,” “calm,” or “peaceful.” In ancient Greek mythology, Eirene was the personification of peace.
Why Do We Celebrate Name Days?
A name day, or patron saint’s day, is a day commemorating the saint whose name a person bears. In the Christian tradition, such a saint is considered a heavenly patron. That is why name days have a special spiritual significance. It is an occasion to remember the saint, pray, give thanks for life, and ask for protection for oneself and one’s loved ones.
In the past, name days were often celebrated as even more important than birthdays. People would go to church, pray, and then gather together around a festive table. Today, things are much simpler. You don’t have to throw a big party—you can simply call the person celebrating their name day, send a heartfelt message, or give them flowers or a small gift.
How to Celebrate Name Day on August 17
For a person of faith, this day can begin with a prayer or a visit to church. You can also light a candle and remember your heavenly patron. The birthday person’s family can celebrate around the festive table. You don’t have to prepare a lot of food—it’s enough to spend time together and say something kind to a loved one.
A gift can also be symbolic. For a woman, you can give flowers, a book, jewelry, or cosmetics; for a man, a book, an accessory, something for his hobby, or another thoughtful item. The most important thing isn’t the price of the gift, but the thought behind it. Even a short, heartfelt message can make this day special.
How to Wish Someone a Happy Name Day
“Happy Name Day! May your heavenly guardian always be by your side, protecting you from troubles and helping you with important matters. I wish you good health, peace, love, joy, and as many happy moments as possible!”
For a loved one, you can write:
“Happy Name Day! May your life be filled with more light, kindness, and wonderful people around you. I hope your guardian angel always watches over you, and that all your difficulties remain behind you!”
Who to congratulate on August 17
According to the new church calendar:
- Men: Dmytro, Illia, Myron, Oleksii, Pavlo;
- Women: Ulyana.
According to the old church calendar:
- Men: Andriy, Denys, Dmytro, Ivan, Kostyantyn, Kuzma, Mykhailo, Oleksiy, Semen;
- women: Daryna, Iryna.
