Name Days on September 18, 2026: Who Celebrates Their Name Day and the Meanings of Names
On September 18, people with a wide variety of names can celebrate their Name Day—from familiar names like Irina, Sofia, and Oleksiy to rarer ones like Ariadne, Euphrosyne, Veniamin, and Ilarion. Each of these names has its own history and special meaning, so a name day is a great opportunity to remind a loved one just how important they are. Here’s who to congratulate on this day, what the names mean, and what you can say to those celebrating their name day.
On September 18, Ariadne, Arina, Arkady, Boris, Benjamin, Vladimir, Euphrosyne, Ivan, Hilarion, Irina, Konstantin, Mikhail, Alexei, Peter, Sergei, Sophia, and Jan celebrate their name days. This is the expanded list provided by modern name day calendars for 2026.
In some calendars, you may also find Avdey, Opanas, Gleb, David, Yukhim, Zakhar, Maxim, Theodore, Fyodor, Elizabeth, Iraida, and Raisa listed for this date.
Male Names
Arkady is a name of ancient Greek origin. It is associated with Arcadia—a historical region in the central part of the Peloponnese—so its meaning can be rendered as “a resident of Arcadia.” The name has a soft sound but also carries a long and rich history.
Boris is a name of Slavic origin, traditionally associated with the meanings “fighter” or “glorious in battle.” It is associated with strength of character, determination, and the ability to stand up for oneself.
Veniamin is a name of ancient Jewish origin. It is translated as “son of the right hand” or “son of happiness.” The name has biblical origins and is quite rare in modern usage.
Vladimir is a Slavic name, usually interpreted as “ruler of the world” or “one who rules the world.” It consists of elements associated with power and peace.
Ivan is one of the most famous male names, derived from the ancient Hebrew name Yohanan. It means “God is gracious” or “God has shown mercy.” The name has many forms in various languages around the world.
Ilarion is an ancient Greek name meaning “cheerful,” “joyful,” or “full of life.” It comes from a word associated with joy and a good mood.
Constantine is a name of Latin origin. It is associated with the word *constans*—meaning “steadfast,” “constant,” or “unwavering.” Therefore, the meaning of the name is often rendered as “steadfast” or “firm.”
Mykhailo is an ancient Hebrew name derived from the phrase “Who is like God?” This is a rhetorical question that emphasizes God’s uniqueness.
Alexei is a name of Greek origin meaning “defender” or “protector.” It comes from a word associated with protection and assistance.
Peter is a name of ancient Greek origin. It means “stone” or “rock.” That is why this name is often associated with strength, reliability, and steadfastness.
Serhiy is a name of Latin origin, associated with the ancient Roman family name Sergius. In popular interpretations, it is often explained as “tall,” “noble,” or “respected.”
Jan is a short form of the name Ivan, which is common in many European countries. It has the same meaning—“God is gracious.” The name is short but has a very long history.
Girls’ Names
Ariadne is an ancient Greek name often translated as “the most holy.” It dates back to ancient mythology, where Ariadne was the daughter of Minos, the king of Crete.
Arina is a form of the name Irina. It derives from the Ancient Greek name Eirene and means “peace” or “calm.” The name is associated with harmony and balance.
Euphrosyne is an Ancient Greek name meaning “joy,” “cheerfulness,” and “good spirits.” In ancient times, this name was associated with the ability to find joy in life.
Irina is another name of Greek origin meaning “peace” and “tranquility.” It comes from the name of the ancient Greek goddess of peace, Eirene.
Sophia is a name of ancient Greek origin meaning “wisdom.” It is one of the names whose meaning has remained virtually unchanged over many centuries.
Names also found in the calendars for September 18
Avdey is an ancient Hebrew name associated with the meaning “servant of God.”
Opanas is a name of Greek origin. Its meaning is “immortal.”
Gleb — an Old Russian name with Scandinavian roots. It is often associated with the meanings “favorite of the gods” or “heir.”
David is an ancient Hebrew name meaning “beloved” or “loved.”
Yukhim is a Greek name that translates as “kind,” “gracious,” or “one who speaks kind words.”
Zakhar is a name of ancient Hebrew origin. It means “God has remembered” or “remembered by God.”
Maxim is a Latin name meaning “the greatest,” “the most magnificent.”
Theodore is a Greek name meaning “gift of God.” The Ukrainian form of this name is Fedir.
Fedir is the Ukrainian form of the Greek name Theodore. It means “God’s gift.”
Elizaveta is an ancient Hebrew name that translates as “God is my oath” or “she who honors God.”
Iraida is a name of ancient Greek origin. It is associated with the name Hera and means “heroic” or “daughter of a hero.”
Raisa — a name of Greek origin. Its meaning is associated with the words “light,” “docile,” and, in some interpretations, “heroic.”
Extended name day calendars also list these names for September 18.
How to Celebrate a Name Day on September 18
A name day doesn’t have to turn into a big celebration. The most important thing on this day is to say a few sincere words to the person and wish them well. For Arkady, Boris, Vladimir, Ivan, Konstantin, Mikhail, Alexey, Peter, Sergey, or Yan, you can wish them strength, confidence, good health, good luck, and people by their side whom they can always count on.
For Ariadna, Arina, Euphrosyne, Irina, and Sofia, you can wish them love, inner harmony, joy, and the fulfillment of their dreams. And for Elizabeth, Iraida, or Raisa—warmth, peace, and pleasant moments in life. A universal greeting can be simple: “Happy Name Day!” May your heavenly patron always watch over you, and may you be surrounded by people who love, support, and appreciate you. May your life be filled with more joy, warmth, health, and good news!”
What’s Celebrated on September 18
September 18 is observed worldwide as the International Day for Equal Pay. It was established by the UN General Assembly, and the date was first observed internationally in 2020. The main idea behind this day is to draw attention to the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. The UN emphasizes that the pay gap remains a problem in many countries around the world, and one of the causes of inequality is the undervaluation of work traditionally performed by women.
This day also serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent working conditions and equal treatment of employees. This applies not only to wages but also to equal opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
