Name Days on September 17, 2026: Who Celebrates Their Name Day and the Meanings of Names
On September 17, people with both male and female names celebrate their name days. There are particularly many female names celebrated on this day, including Vira, Nadiya, Lyubov, Iryna, Oleksandra, and Sofiya, while among men, you can congratulate Ivan, Illia, Pavlo, and others. Here’s what these names mean, where they come from, and how to offer a beautiful greeting to those celebrating their name day.
On September 17, 2026, Ivan, Ilya, Pavel, Vera, Irina, Lyubov, Nadezhda, Alexandra, and Sofia celebrate their name days. These names are listed in the New Style name day calendars. In more comprehensive lists for this date, you can also find Oleksandra, Vasyl, Hryhoriy, Mitrofan, Mykhailo, Mykola, Petro, Simon, Stepan, Theodor, Tikhon, Fyodor, Julian, and Yan; and among women’s names—Olena and Ilona.
Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov, and Sophia hold a special place on September 17. On this day, the memory of the martyrs Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov, and their mother Sophia is honored. According to the new church calendar, this date falls precisely on September 17.
Meaning of Male Names
Ivan is a name of ancient Hebrew origin. Its meaning is associated with God’s mercy and grace. The name has long been one of the most famous in Ukraine and has many forms—Ivas, Ivanko, Vanya.
Ilya comes from the ancient Hebrew language. Its meaning is “my God is the Lord.” It is a biblical name that has remained popular in various countries over the centuries.
Pavlo is of Latin origin. The name comes from a word meaning “small” or “younger.” It is often associated with simplicity, a calm disposition, and kindness.
Alexander is an ancient Greek name meaning “defender of the people.” It consists of parts associated with the concepts of “to defend” and “human.” Therefore, the name is traditionally associated with strength and a willingness to protect loved ones.
Vasyl derives from the ancient Greek name Basileios. Its meaning is “royal” or “regal.” The name has a long history and many Ukrainian diminutive forms, including Vasylko.
Grigory comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning “vigilant” or “one who does not sleep.” The name is associated with attentiveness, perceptiveness, and a readiness to notice what is important.
Mitrofan is an ancient Greek name. It is traditionally interpreted as “manifested by the mother” or “one who has a mother.” Today, it is a fairly rare name, although it has a long history.
Mykhailo has ancient Hebrew origins. Its meaning is “who is like God?” This is a rhetorical question that emphasizes the greatness of God.
Mykola is a name of ancient Greek origin. It consists of parts meaning “victory” and “people,” so it is traditionally translated as “victor of the peoples.”
Peter comes from the ancient Greek word “petros,” which means “stone” or “rock.” Because of this, the name is symbolically associated with strength, stability, and reliability.
Simon has ancient Hebrew origins. It means “heard” or “the one who was heard.” The name has biblical roots and has been known since ancient times.
Stepan comes from the ancient Greek name Stefanos. It means “wreath” or “crown.” In ancient tradition, a wreath was a symbol of victory and honor.
Theodor is a name of ancient Greek origin. It means “gift of God.” The name Fedir, which is the Ukrainian form of this name, has a similar meaning.
Tikhon comes from the ancient Greek name Tikhon. It is associated with Tyche, the goddess of fortune, so its meaning is often rendered as “happy” or “lucky.”
Fedir is the Ukrainian form of the ancient Greek name Theodore. It means “God’s gift” or “given by God.”
Julian is of Latin origin. The name is associated with the ancient Roman Julian family. It is also interpreted as “belonging to the Julian family.”
Jan is a form of the name Ivan, common in many European countries. It has ancient Hebrew origins and is associated with the meaning “God is gracious.”
Meanings of Female Names
Vira is one of three symbolic names particularly associated with September 17. The name has a Slavic meaning of “faith,” that is, trust, conviction, and spiritual support.
Nadiya also has a direct meaning. The name is associated with the word “hope”—the expectation of good and faith in a better future.
Love means the very same feeling embodied in the name itself—love, affection, and sincere devotion. It is the Slavic form of an ancient Greek name associated with the concept of love.
Sofia comes from the ancient Greek word “sophia,” which means “wisdom.” That is why the name is often associated with intelligence, knowledge, and life wisdom.
Irina has ancient Greek origins. The name comes from the word “eirene”—“peace” or “tranquility.” Therefore, its meaning is associated with peacefulness and inner balance.
Alexandra is the feminine form of the name Alexander. Its meaning is “protector of the people.” The name is traditionally associated with strength, courage, and independence.
Olena is an ancient Greek name traditionally associated with the meanings “light,” “radiant,” and “torch.” The name has many diminutive forms—Olenka, Olenochka, Lena.
Ilona is a name often considered the Hungarian form of Olena. It is associated with the meanings “light” and “radiant.” In the Ukrainian language, Ilona has long been used as a standalone female name.
Why September 17 Is a Special Day for Vira, Nadiya, Lyubov, and Sofia
September 17 commemorates the holy martyrs Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov, as well as their mother Sofia. According to church tradition, Sophia raised her three daughters in the Christian faith. Their names symbolize important Christian virtues—faith, hope, and love.
Under the old calendar, this holiday fell on September 30. After the switch to the new calendar, the date shifted to September 17. That is why people accustomed to the old calendar may remember the name days of Faith, Hope, Love, and Sophia as a date in late September. This day is often called one of the most symbolic women’s days on the church calendar. It is especially anticipated by women and girls named Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov, and Sofia.
How to Celebrate a Name Day
You don’t have to celebrate a name day with great fanfare. For many people, it’s simply a good excuse to spend time with family, meet up with friends, or receive a warm message from a loved one. If the person celebrating follows religious traditions, they can go to church on this day, light a candle, and pray to their patron saint. The day can be spent quietly, surrounded by family or close friends.
The gift doesn’t have to be expensive either. For a woman, you could give flowers, her favorite sweets, a book, or cosmetics. For a man—a book, an accessory, something for his hobby, or just a nice little thing he’s wanted for a long time. The most important thing isn’t the gift itself, but the thought behind it. Sometimes, a simple phone call from someone you haven’t heard from in a long time can be the best gift for a name day.
How to Wish Someone a Happy Name Day
For Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov, Sofia, or any other woman celebrating her Name Day, you can say:
“Happy Name Day! I wish that your life is always filled with self-confidence, hope for the best, and the love that makes every day special. May your guardian angel watch over you, and may you be surrounded by sincere and reliable people.”
For a man, this greeting is appropriate:
“Happy Name Day! I wish you health, strength, good luck, and confidence in your own abilities. May your guardian angel protect you from adversity, help you with important matters, and always guide you toward good people and the right decisions.”
And for a loved one, you can write something short and heartfelt:
“Happy Name Day! May your life be filled with more reasons to be happy, may your loved ones be by your side, and may every new day bring something good. Take care of yourself, and may your angel always be with you.”
September 17 is a great day to congratulate not only those who bear one of the four most famous names, but also everyone celebrating their name day on this day. Even a short, heartfelt message can make the occasion more enjoyable.
