Even before the baby is born, parents begin to think about what to name their child. A person is given a name once for his entire life, so it is important to choose it consciously. The name you choose for a girl or boy will largely determine the character and even the fate of your son or daughter. On our website you will learn how to name a child by zodiac sign, how different names combined with Russian surnames and patronymics, what advantages and disadvantages a given name for a girl or boy has, you will find interesting detailed descriptions a variety of male and female names.
How to name a child by date of birth
Even bearers of the same name can have completely different tempers and fate, since they are also significantly influenced by the day, month and year of the child’s birth. Summer Alexanders are significantly different from winter ones, and those born in the year of the Pig, Anastasia, are completely different from their Sheep counterparts.
After all, any parents would certainly want their children to be happy, harmonious, successful and successful. That's why many of us begin to think about the best name for our child in advance.
The influence of the date of birth on a person’s fate has been thought about since ancient times. Today, the science of numbers and their significance in our lives has achieved widespread and popularity. Numerologists suggest naming the child by his date of birth, determining the luckiest name for her.
In addition, there is astrological calendar, studying the combination of different names with zodiac signs. Also take into account what time of year and what year the child was born. For example, the character of a spring child needs to be reinforced with solid, in a decisive name, and autumn is more suitable for tender, romantic.
How to name a child according to the church calendar
Another simple and very convenient way to name a child depending on the date of birth is to choose a name according to church calendar. For each day of the year, the church calendar offers several names, the bearers of which celebrate their angel day on that day. It is believed that saints whose day falls on the same date will protect the person named in his honor, and this is important.
If you don’t like the name proposed for a specific date, then you can choose one of those whose name day falls on any of the days closest to it, but not the day before it. And may the heavenly forces protect your baby!
What name to choose for the baby? Should we take into account fleeting fashion or age-old cultural traditions? The answers are in the article. As a bonus: a detailed table with the names of the boys and the patron saints for January.
Saints are not just a church calendar indicating the days of remembrance of saints and the circle of church holidays. This is, first of all, Short story Christianity, since each name in this calendar is associated with some person or event important to Orthodoxy.
By naming your baby after the Saints, you allow him to become part of Orthodox traditions.
How to choose a name for a child according to the church calendar?
Many parents complain that the names in the Saints do not always correspond to what they want. In addition, many names in the Saints are quite dissonant (from the point of view of a modern person). But this does not mean that parents have no choice.
You can choose a name according to the Saints, focusing on several key dates:
- On the baby's date of birth
- For dates between the date of birth and the date of baptism of the child
- On the date of the baby’s baptism and a few days ahead from the date of baptism
Important: our ancestors considered the day of naming a child to be the eighth day from the date of his birth.
Choosing a name for a boy according to the Saints
Agree, having 30-40 dates with names at your disposal, you can always choose a wonderful name for your baby. The main thing is that the fate and deeds of the saint, whose name you are going to name the baby, inspire both him and you to live, full of light, wisdom and creativity.
Choosing a name for the youngest member of the family usually causes heated debate. The wise remark of Theophan the Recluse will reconcile all the relatives and friends of the baby: “Here the matter will be without any human considerations, as God wills: for birthdays are in the hands of God.”
Rely on the wisdom of the Elder and open the Saints and continue reading the article. Below you will find names for boys corresponding to the Orthodox calendar for January. The tables also contain information about the meaning of each name, its origin, and the patron saint of the name.
Boys' names according to the Saints - January: meaning, origin, patron saint
January is a harsh month and this cannot but affect children born this month. Among the virtues of January babies: patience, determination and restraint. You can see names in other months in the articles: , ,
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Michael | biblical | Who's like God | Holy Martyr Michael the Theologian, presbyter |
| Nikita | from Greek | winner | Holy Martyr Nikita Belevsky, Bishop |
| Peter | from Greek | stone, rock | Presentation of St. Peter, Metropolitan |
| Prokop | from Greek Procopius | naked sword | Blessed Procopius |
| Sergey | from Etruscan | highly respected | Holy Martyr Sergius Tsvetkov, deacon (new martyr) |
| Feofan | from Greek | Epiphany | Saint Theophan, Bishop of Monemvasia |
| Filaret | from Greek | lover of virtue | Saint Philaret, Metropolitan of Kyiv |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Basil | from Greek | regal | |
| David | from Hebrew | Darling | Martyr David of Dvinsky, Armenian |
| Ivan | from biblical John | God's mercy | Holy Martyr John Smirnov, hieromonk (new martyr) |
| Makar | from Greek | blissful, happy | Holy Martyr Macarius Mironov, hieromonk (new martyr) |
| Nahum | biblical | comforting | Saint Naum of Ohrid |
| Paul | from Latin | small, junior | Venerable Paul of Neocaesarea, bishop, preacher |
| Basil | from Greek | regal | Holy Martyr Vasily Spassky, priest |
Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. IN Orthodox traditions It is not customary to name children after Jesus Christ. If you nevertheless chose the name Jesus for your son, then the patron saint of the baby will be the holy righteous Joshua (but the name day date will not be January 7!)
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Alexander | from Greek | defender |
1. Holy Martyr Alexander Volkov, priest (new martyr) 2. Holy Martyr Alexander Krylov, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Basil | from Greek | regal | Venerable Martyr Vasily Mazurenko, hieromonk (new martyr) |
| Gregory | from Greek | awake | Holy Martyr Grigory Serbarinov, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| David | biblical | Darling | Reverend David |
| Dmitriy | from Greek | belonging to Demeter | Holy Martyr Dimitri Chistoserdov, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
|
from Evfimy, from Greek |
pious | Holy Martyr Euthymius of Sardia, Bishop | |
| Joseph | biblical | God will multiply | Apostle Joseph Barsabas |
| Konstantin | from Greek | permanent, persistent | Venerable Constantine of Sinadia (Phrygian) |
| Leonid | from Greek | descended from a lion | Holy Martyr Leonid Antoshchenko, Bishop of Mari (new martyr) |
| Michael | biblical | who is like God |
1. Holy Martyr Mikhail Smirnov, deacon (new martyr) 2. Holy Martyr Mikhail Cheltsov, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Nicodemus | from Greek | victorious people | Venerable Nicodemus of Tismania, Romanian |
| Nikolay | from Greek | conqueror of nations |
1. Holy Martyr Nicholas Zalessky, priest 2. Holy Martyr Nikolai Tarbeev, priest |
| Osip | from the biblical Joseph | God will multiply | — |
| Yakov | from the biblical Jacob | hot on the heels |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Alexander | from Greek | defender |
1. Holy Martyr Alexander Cicero, priest (new martyr) 2. Holy Martyr Alexander Dagaev, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Arkady | from Greek | resident of Arcadia | Holy Martyr Arkady Reshetnikov, deacon (new martyr) |
| Dorofei | from Greek | God's gift | Holy Martyr Dorotheos of Melitino |
| Efim | from Greek Euthymius | pious | Martyr Euthymius of Nicomedia |
| Ignat | from Latin | fiery | Venerable Ignatius Lomsky, Yaroslavl |
| Leonid | from Greek | descended from a lion | Holy Martyr Leonid Vmktorov, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Nikanor | from Greek | contemplating victory | Holy Martyr Nikanor, Apostle from the 70s |
| Nicodemus | from Greek | victorious people | Holy Martyr Nicodemus of Belgorod, Bishop (New Martyr) |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Ivan | from biblical John | God's mercy | Venerable John of Pechersk, monk |
| Benjamin | from Hebrew Benjamin | son of the right hand, beloved son | Reverend Benjamin |
| Georgy / Egor | from Greek | tiller | Saint George of Nicomedia, bishop |
| Lavr, Lavrentiy | — | bay tree | Venerable Lavrentiy of Chernigov |
| Mark | from Latin | hammer | Venerable Mark of Pechersk |
| Thaddeus | from Greek / from Hebrew | gift of God/praise | Venerable Thaddeus the Confessor |
| Theophilus | from Greek | God-loving |
1. Venerable Theofl of Pechersk, recluse 2. Venerable Theophilus of Omuch |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Alexander | from Greek | defender |
1. Holy Martyr Alexander Organov, priest (new martyr) 2. Holy Martyr Alexander Trapitsyn, Archbishop (new martyr) |
| Bogdan | from Greek Theodotus | given by God | Holy Martyr Theodotus |
| Basil | from Greek | regal |
1. Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia 2. Holy Martyr Basil of Ankyria (Caesarea) |
| Vyacheslav | from the ancient Slavs. | most glorious | Holy Martyr Vyacheslav Infantov, priest (new martyr) |
| Gregory | from Greek | awake | Saint Gregory of Nazianzus the Elder (Theologian), bishop |
| Eremey | from Hebrew Jeremiah | exalted by God / may the Lord exalt | Venerable Martyr Jeremiah Leonov, monk (new martyr) |
| Ivan | from biblical John | God's mercy |
1. Holy Martyr John Suldin, priest (new martyr) 2. Holy Martyr John Smirnov, priest (new martyr) |
| Michael | biblical | Who's like God | Holy Martyr Michael Bleiwe, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Nikolay | from Greek | conqueror of nations | Holy Martyr Nikolai Bezhanitsky, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Peter | from Greek | stone, rock | Martyr Peter of the Peloponnese |
| Plato | from Greek | wide | Holy Martyr Platon (Kulbush) of Revel, Bishop (New Martyr) |
| Trofim | from Greek | breadwinner | Holy Martyr Trofim Myachin, priest (new martyr) |
| Theodosius | from Greek Theodosius | God-given | Venerable Theodosius of Triglia, abbot |
| Yakov | from the biblical Jacob | hot on the heels | Holy Martyr Jacob Alferov, priest (new martyr) |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Basil | from Greek | regal | Martyr Vasily Petrov (new martyr) |
| Kozma | from Greek | world order, universe | Saint Cosmas of Constantinople, Archbishop |
| Mark | from Latin | hammer | Reverend Mark Deaf |
| Modest | from Latin | modest, unpretentious | Holy Martyr Modest |
| Peter | from Greek | stone, rock | Venerable Peter of Rome |
| Seraphim | from Hebrew | fire Angel | Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, wonderworker |
| Sergey | from Etruscan | highly respected | Holy Martyr Sergius |
| Sidor | from Isidore | gift of Isis | Blessed Righteous Isidore |
| Sylvester | from Latin | forest | Saint Sylvester, Pope |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Alexander | from Greek | defender |
1. Holy Martyr Alexander, Bishop 2. Holy Martyr Alexander Skalsky, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Aristarch | from Greek | best boss | Holy Martyr Aristarchus of Alamea, Bishop |
| Artem / Artemy | from Greek | healthy, unharmed | Apostle from 70 Artem of Listria, bishop |
| Arkhip | from Greek | chief rider | Apostle from 70 Archippus |
| Afanasy | from Greek | immortal | Venerable Athanasius of Syandemsky, Vologda |
| Denis | from Greek Dionysus | God of fertility and winemaking | Holy Martyr Dionysius the Areopagite of Athens, Bishop |
| Efim | from Greek Euthymius | pious | Venerable Martyr Euthymius of Vatopedi, abbot |
| Zosim | from Greek | heading out | Venerable Martyr Zosimus of Cilicia, hermit |
| Joseph / Osip | biblical | God will multiply | Apostle from 70 Joseph Barsabas |
| Carp | from Greek | fetus | Apostle from 70 Carp |
| Clement / Klim |
from Greek / from Latin |
grapevine / gracious | Apostle Clement from 70, Bishop of Rome |
| Kondrat / Kondratiy | from Greek | square, broad shouldered | Apostle from 70 Kondrat of Athens |
| Luke | from Latin | light | Apostle Luke 70 |
| Mark | from Latin | hammer | Apostle from 70 Mark John the Evangelist, bishop |
| Nikolay | from Greek | conqueror of nations | Holy Martyr Nikolai Maslov, priest (new martyr) |
| Ostap | from Greek Eustathius | stable | Saint Eustathius the First of Serbia, Archbishop |
| Paul | from Latin | small, junior | Holy Martyr Pavel Filitsyn, priest (new martyr) |
| Prokhor | from Greek | started singing | Apostle from 70 Prochorus of Nicomedia, bishop |
| Rodion | from Greek Herodion | hero, heroic | Apostle from 70 Herodion of Patras, bishop |
| Semyon | from Simeon | listening |
1. Apostle from 70 Simeon of Jerusalem 2. Apostle from 70 Simeon Niger |
| Stepan | from Greek Stefan | crown, diadem |
1. Apostle from 70 Stephen the First Martyr, Archdeacon 2. Holy Martyr Stefan Ponomarev, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Terenty | Roman family name | smooth, polite | Apostle from 70 Terentius of Iconice, bishop |
| Timofey | from Greek | God-worshipping | Apostle from 70 Timothy of Ephesus, bishop |
| Trofim | from Greek | breadwinner | Apostle from 70 Trophimus |
| Thaddeus | from Greek Theodore | gift of God | Apostle Thaddeus 70 |
| Philip | from Greek | someone who loves horses |
1. Apostle Philip from 70 2. Holy Martyr Philip Grigoriev, Archpriest |
| Yakov | from the biblical Jacob | hot on the heels | Apostle from 70 James |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Gregory | from Greek | awake | Venerable Gregory of Akritsky |
| Joseph / Osip | biblical | God will multiply | Martyr Joseph Bespalov (new martyr) |
| Matvey | from New Testament Matthew | bestowed by God | Martyr Matthew Gusev (new martyr) |
| Novel | from Latin | Roman |
1. Venerable Martyr Romanus of Carpenisius 2. Holy Martyr Romanus the Lacedaemonian |
| Sergey | from Etruscan | highly respected | Holy Martyr Sergius Lavrov, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Thomas | biblical | twin | Saint Thomas |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Anton | From Greek or Latin | Holy Martyr Anton of Egypt | |
| Victor | from Latin | winner | Holy Martyr Viktor Usov, priest (new martyr) |
| Vladimir | from Old Russian | the one who owns the world | Holy Martyr Vladimir Pasternatsky, Archpriest |
| Georgy / Egor | from Greek | tiller | Rev. George Hozevit |
| Gregory | from Greek | awake | Saint-like martyr Gregory of Pechersk, wonderworker |
| Dmitriy | from Greek | belonging to Demeter | Holy Martyr Demetrius Plyshevsky, priest |
| Eugene | from Greek | noble | Martyr Eugene |
| Emelyan | from Greek | affectionate, flattering | Venerable Emilian of Kizicheskiy, Venerable |
| Ilya | biblical | My God is Yahweh | Venerable Elijah of Egypt |
| Michael | biblical | Who's like God | Saint Michael Rozov, priest (new martyr) |
| Julian / Julius | Roman family name | — | Holy Martyr Julian of Egypt, abbot |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Zakhar | from the biblical Zechariah | memory of the Lord / man | Martyr Zachary |
| Paul | from Latin | small, junior | Holy Martyr Pavel Nikolsky, priest (new martyr) |
| Panteley | from Greek | all-merciful | Holy Martyr Panteleimon |
| Peter | from Greek | stone, rock | Saint Peter of Sebaste, bishop |
| Philip | from Greek | someone who loves horses | Philip II (Fedor Kolychev) Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus' |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Anatoly | from Greek | resident of Anatolia | Holy Martyr Anatoly Grisyuk, Metropolitan (New Martyr) |
| Gregory | from Greek | awake | Saint Gregory of Nyssa, bishop |
| Zinovy | from Greek | one who lives according to the will of Zeus | Holy Martyr Zinovy (New Martyr) |
| Makar | from Greek | blissful, happy | Venerable Macarius of Pisemsky |
| Paul | from Latin | small, junior | Venerable Pavel Obnorsky (Kovelsky) |
| Peter | from Greek | stone, rock | Holy Martyr Peter Uspensky, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Vitaly | from Latin | vital | Venerable Vitaly of Gazsky |
| Vladimir | from Old Russian | the one who owns the world | Holy Martyr Vladimir Fokin, priest (new martyr) |
| Joseph / Osip | biblical | God will multiply | Saint Joseph of Cappadocia |
| Michael | biblical | Who's like God | Saint Klopsky (Novgorod) |
| Nikolay | from Greek | conqueror of nations | Holy Martyr Nicholas Matsievsky, priest (new martyr) |
| from Greek Stefan | crown, diadem | Holy Righteous Stephen | |
| Terenty | Roman family name | smooth, polite | Holy Martyr Terentius |
| Fedor | from Greek | God's gift | Holy Martyr Theodore Antipin, priest |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Afanasy | from Greek | immortal | Holy Martyr Athanasius |
| Maksim | from Latin | greatest | Rev. Maxim Kavsokalivit |
| Nikifor | from Greek | the one who brings victory | Venerable Nikifor |
| Peter | from Greek | stone, rock | Holy Martyr Peter Absalomite (Aniysky) |
| Yakov | from the biblical Jacob | hot on the heels | Venerable James of Nizibia, Bishop |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Adam | biblical | Human | Reverend Adam |
| Andrey | from Greek | courageous | Righteous Andrew |
| Aristarch | from Greek | best boss | Righteous Aristarchus |
| Benjamin | from Hebrew Benjamin | son of the right hand, beloved son | Reverend Benjamin |
| David | from Hebrew | Darling | Reverend David |
| from biblical John | God's mercy | Confessor John Kevroletin, hieroschemamonk (new martyr) | |
| Ilya | biblical | My God is Yahweh | Reverend Elijah |
| Joseph / Osip | biblical | God will multiply | Venerable Joseph of Raifa (Analitin) |
| Isaac | biblical | he will laugh | Reverend Isaac |
| Makar | from Greek | blissful, happy | Venerable Macarius |
| Mark | from Latin | hammer | Reverend Mark |
| Moses | biblical | one who was pulled out of the water | Reverend Moses |
| Paul | from Latin | small, junior | Reverend Paul |
| Savva | from Aramaic | old man | Reverend Savva |
| Sergey | from Etruscan | highly respected | Venerable Sergius |
| Stepan | from Greek Stefan | crown, diadem | Reverend Stephen |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Varlaam | from Chaldean | God's Son | Venerable Varlaam of Arkhangelsk (Keretsky) |
| Gabriel | from the biblical Gabriel | God is my strength | Venerable Gabriel of Serbia |
| Ivan | from biblical John | God's mercy | Venerable John Kushchnik |
| Michael | biblical | Who's like God | Holy Martyr Mikhail Samsonov, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Paul | from Latin | small, junior | Venerable Paul of Thebes |
| Prokhor | from Greek | started singing | Venerable Prokhor of Pshinsky |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Anton | From Greek or Latin | entering into battle, opposing |
1. Reverend Anthony Great 2. Venerable Anthony of Dymsky 3. Venerable Anthony of Krasnokholmsky |
| Victor | from Latin | winner | Holy Martyr Victor Evropeytsev, priest (new martyr) |
|
Georgy / |
from Greek | tiller | Martyr George |
| Ivan | from biblical John | God's mercy | Saint John of Rostov, bishop |
| Paul | from Latin | small, junior | Holy Martyr Pavel Uspensky, priest (new martyr) |
| Name | Origin | Meaning | Patron Saint |
| Alexander | from Greek | defender | Holy Martyr Alexander Rusinov, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Afanasy | from Greek | immortal |
1. Saint A\Athanasius the Great 2. Venerable Athanasius of Sandem 3. Righteous Afanasy Navolotsky |
| Vladimir | from Old Russian | the one who owns the world | Holy Martyr Vladimir Zubkovich, Archpriest (New Martyr) |
| Dmitriy | from Greek | belonging to Demeter | Reverend Dmitry |
| Eugene | from Greek | noble | Holy Martyr Eugene of Isadsky, priest (new martyr) |
| Emelyan | from Greek | affectionate, flattering | Venerable Emelian |
| Ephraim | from Semitic Ephraim | prolific | Saint Ephraim of Milas, bishop |
| Hilarion | from Greek | funny | Venerable Hilarion |
| Kirill | from Greek | Lord | Saint Cyril of Radonezh |
| Maksim | from Latin | greatest | Saint Maximus the New |
| Michael | biblical | Who's like God | Holy Martyr Mikhail Kargopolov, priest (new martyr) |
| Nikolay | from Greek | conqueror of nations | Holy Martyr Nicholas Krasovsky, priest (new martyr) |
| Sergey | from Etruscan | highly respected | Holy Martyr Sergius Lebedev, priest (new martyr) |
Video: Is it possible to give a child a name not according to the church calendar? Priest Igor Silchenkov
Our ancestors did not have such a problem as choosing a name for a newborn. Today, in some families, this is reaching the point of scandal, since dad wants to name his son Jordan, mom wants to name him Apollo, and grandparents dream of Vanechka. But in former times, everything was decided by the Orthodox church book, which was called “Saints”. Parents came to church, and the priest offered a choice of several names of Christian saints, whose memory was honored on the baby’s birthday. And if now parents want to make a choice in this particular way - how to choose a name for a child according to the calendar?
How to choose the right name according to the calendar?
Birthday, Angel's Day, name day... Many people confuse these concepts and congratulate them on their birthday. In fact, a birthday is the day on which a person was born, and a name day is the day of remembrance of the saint after whom he was named. The second name for name day is the day of the Angel or the day of the namesake. Previously, these days coincided for almost everyone, but now they practically do not. Despite this, some people began to celebrate Angel Day on the same basis as their birthday.
The Saints contain about 1,700 different names. Most of them are for men, and they have largely fallen out of use. This is not surprising, because many names for modern people seem funny, for example, Popius, Mnasen, Kurduva or Yazdundokta.
If you decide to name your newborn according to the calendar, remember the following:
- It is best to choose the name for the baby of the saint who is honored on his birthday. For example, your child was born on February 1st. You are truly lucky, since according to the calendar, the newborn can be called by the following names: Arseny, Gregory, Henry, Louise, Euphrasia, Mark, Makar, Meletius, Savva, Theodosius, Feodor or Januarius.
- If you have a boy, and on this day there are no names for a male representative, then modern church usually advises looking a few days ahead. You can do the same if you don’t like the proposed name (or names) at all.
- The baptismal name is given once in a lifetime and does not change again (with the exception of the name changing upon tonsure as a monk and when changing faith).
- IN Lately Some parents give their children double names: one is secular, and the other is ecclesiastical. Some people do this on purpose, while others do it by accident - it’s just that at birth the baby is given a non-Orthodox name, and in church the parents learn that the child cannot be baptized under the name, for example, Stella or Camilla. In this case, the priest invites parents to choose an Orthodox name for the baby - close or consonant with the “passport name”.
- If the saint in whose honor you named your baby is venerated several times a year, then the Angel’s day is the next name day after the day birth.
From antiquity to the present day
The Orthodox book "Saints of Saints" is nothing more than full list all the names of the saints whom he honors Orthodox Church. The second name of this book is “The Book of Months”, since it describes the whole year, day by day, month by month.
Giving a child a name according to the calendar is ancient tradition many peoples. The Slavs were no exception to this. People believed that when a baby receives the name of a saint who is revered on the day of his birth or baptism, he will have a happy and long life. At the same time, it was not advisable to name a child after the great martyr - then he would be destined for a hard life, full of hardships and suffering.
If several saints were commemorated on a child’s birthday, then the parents could choose a name from several suggested by the priest. If there was only one name, then, alas, the parents had no choice. People did not dare to contradict the church. Later, if no saint was commemorated on the new person’s birthday, or they really didn’t like the name, then parents began to “increase” the list of names: they could consider the names of saints whose memory is celebrated on the eighth or fortieth day after the birth of the child. The fact is that our ancestors believed that a newborn should be given a name no earlier than the eighth day, and the sacrament of Baptism had to be carried out precisely on the fortieth day.
“Mesyatseslov” was used until the 1917 revolution. With the advent of Soviet power, when churches began to be massively destroyed and religion began to be banned, the tradition of naming children according to the calendar was abandoned. Nowadays, parents have begun to turn much more often to the Orthodox calendar to choose a name for their child. Many believe that it will make the baby happy, and the saint after whom it was named will become an intercessor and guardian angel for the child. And some parents simply follow modern fashion, because today the ancient or unusual name is the last word. So in kindergartens and schools we meet children with the names Luka and Akulina, Spiridon and Evdokia, Hilarion and Pelagia.
Calendar of names according to the calendar for each month
Name day in January
Names in February
Names in March
Names in April
Names in May
Names in June
According to popular beliefs, May boys are one of the most stubborn but purposeful children with strong character. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the days of the holy Great Martyr George the Victorious and the Apostle John fall in May. These saints themselves were people of exceptional spiritual strength. In this regard, it is not surprising that babies born on Orthodox holidays are distinguished by their strong character.
Back in the 12-13th century, shortly after the Baptism of Rus', the tradition of naming children in honor of revered righteous people was already widespread. It is believed that a child named after a holy righteous Christian will have a role model in front of him all his life. The patron saint will help you make a difficult decision at a crossroads and will illuminate the path through life.
Choosing a name is a big decision
When preparing for childbirth, expectant mothers devote a lot of time to choosing a name for the child. There is a great temptation to name your son an original and memorable name. But we need to understand how responsible this decision will be. The name you give your child will carry him throughout his life, and, more importantly, to stand before God. It is no coincidence that since ancient times the names were borne sacred meaning, which is why during the sacrament of baptism so much attention is paid to choosing a name for Christmastide.
If you know for sure that your child will be born in May, you need to choose a name for the boy in advance. Usually in Rus' names were chosen according to the calendar. The child was named after the name day closest to his birthday. In May Orthodox name days there are a lot, so you can safely open the list and choose. Another option is to contact church calendar. You can also discuss this issue with your spiritual mentor.
Matching name and character
Names have a great influence on a child's character. This is not only the choice of a protective angel that will always protect your child from adversity, but also a serious event that in some way determines the fate of a person. Name days in May offer many options for strong and strong-willed names for a boy. Let's look at some of them, as well as what characteristics they carry for a boy.
- George is a name of Greek origin, meaning “farmer”.
the 6th of May The memory of St. George the Victorious (one of the most revered holy great martyrs in Orthodoxy) is traditionally honored. Georgy can be described as an attentive listener, good and true friend. He is diligent and responsible, devoid of rancor.
- Gregory is a name also of Greek origin. Means "not sleeping."
One of the oldest Christian names, identified with the qualities of an ideal Christian. Gregory is characterized by the ability to stand up for himself and for his ideals of justice. As a child, the boy Gregory studies the world with curiosity, and as he grows up, he knows how to weigh his words so as not to offend people.
- Ivan is a common Orthodox name, derived from the Hebrew "John", which means "merciful of God."
May 21st Orthodox Christians all over the world pay respect to the memory of John the Theologian, the closest follower to Christ, who did not abandon Him even during the crucifixion. Ivan is an active boy, with a great will and difficult character. One can definitely say about the Ivanovs that the saying “To be born in May means to toil all your life” is true. Such people are open, always ready to help, honor traditions and foundations, and with fortitude endure all trials along the way.
- Paul is a name of Latin origin meaning “small.”
Pavels are usually sociable and moral people. Such a boy in childhood observes the prohibitions of his parents. Growing up, he becomes a homebody, calmly moving towards his goal.
- Kirill - among the ancient Greeks this meant “lord”, and from Persian it meant “sun”.
May 24 celebrate the memorable day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who gave literature to the inhabitants ancient Rus'. The boy, whose name is Kirill, is characterized by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. He does not succumb to the influence of others, but chooses his own path.
Boy's name according to the calendar
In the Orthodox month book there are many options for how to name a boy in accordance with the date of his birthday. Each day in the May calendar has several male names, so future parents should not have problems choosing. Traditionally, the name was determined according to the calendar as follows:
- or on the birthday of a child;
- or on the eighth day from birth;
- or on the fortieth day from birth, when it is necessary to perform the sacrament of baptism.
Mother and father have at least fifteen alternatives to choose from. Important point that must be taken into account are some Orthodox names in the world they have a slightly different shape. For example, someone named Dionysius at baptism, whose Angel days fall on the 4th, 19th, 25th and 31st, will be called Denis in the world. The situation is the same with Yegor, whose baptismal form according to the calendar is George.
Boys' names by date of birth
Below we provide a list of Angel days in May so that you can choose a name for your newborn baby boy according to the calendar:
As you can see, there are a lot of options. If you are guided by the criteria that we talked about above when determining names according to the calendar, then three dates are highlighted, and then the child’s name is selected. The main thing here is the desire of the parents, but in case of difficulty, they can turn to a spiritual mentor or priest who will baptize the baby to choose a different name.
Choosing a name according to the Orthodox calendar
When deciding what to name their son, many turn to the calendar of Orthodox holidays to find a holy righteous patron for the child. This the right decision, which we have already talked about. There are several major Orthodox holidays in May, the proximity of which to the birth of your child will help you decide on your future name.
- May 6 – memory of St. George the Victorious. You can name your son Georgy or Yegor.
- May 8 – memory of the Apostle Mark.
- May 10 – memory of the holy martyr Simeon. The son can be called Semyon.
- May 13 – memory of Jacob Zabedeev. The modern version of the name is Yakov.
- May 15 – memory of St. Athanasius the Great. Also the day of the discovery of the relics of the passion-bearers Boris and Gleb. At baptism they were given the names Roman and David, which have been very common in recent years.
- May 21 – memory of John the Theologian. It is customary to call boys born on this day Ivan.
- May 24 is the day of remembrance of Saints Cyril and Methodius. In addition, since Cyril’s name in the world was Constantine, you can name your son that way.
These righteous people left a significant mark on the history of Orthodoxy. If one of them becomes the Patron Saint of your baby, he will always be accompanied by light and good luck in life.
The name, like a guiding star, accompanies a person throughout his life. Therefore, parents pay great attention to choosing a name in Russian for their baby.
After all, whether it will contribute to happiness and success or cause contradictions depends on how it is combined with the influence of planets and constellations, in consonance with the surname and patronymic. Below is full list holy church names in Russian for boys in alphabetical order with an interpretation of their meaning, which will help parents make a choice.
Should you name your baby according to the calendar of Christian names or the church calendar and why?
In Russia there is orthodox calendar or calendar, which lists all the names for each day of the year, indicating the heavenly patron.
It is believed that if they give the name of the saint whose memorial day falls on the baby’s birthday, then he becomes the patron or Guardian Angel of the child, helps and protects him in life. For this reason, parents, when choosing a beautiful Russian men's or female name for for the little one, they turn specifically to the calendar.
A complete list of how to name boys according to the calendar alphabetically, their meanings
- Adam– earth, man (Heb.). A person with this name is characterized by tall moral principles, determination, nobility, gratitude, incredible willpower. They can withdraw into themselves and are not very sociable.
- Alexander– protector of people (Greek). Signs of the name are willpower, nobility, courage, sociability, excellent leadership qualities. They look for support within themselves. Instability of character.
- Alexy– protector (Greek). Reliability and tenderness, integrity of character, respect for family values - these traits are determined by the name. Wounded pride.
- Anatoly– eastern (Greek). High intelligence, sociability, balance, health and sexuality. They can perform unpredictable and inexplicable actions.
Valery- cheerful, strong (lat.). A sense of humor, curiosity, activity, optimism are the main features. Egocentrism, instability in friendship.- Basil– royal (Greek). Broad-mindedness, lightness, love for the earth and animals. Exceptional intelligence and mental strength. Some passivity and suspicion.
- Benjamin- son of the most beloved of wives (Heb.). Gentleness and non-conflict character. A penchant for collecting. They may seek solace in alcohol.
- Victor– winner (lat.). Trustworthiness, fairness, thoroughness. High intelligence and efficiency make it possible to achieve success in any field. High impulsiveness and ardor. If they are not fulfilled, they become addicted to alcohol.
- Vitaly– life (lat.). Great zest for life, sociability. Amorousness.
- Vladimir- owner of the world (glory). The name itself gives the power of love and recognition. Breadth of soul, enormous capacity for work, nobility. Risk-taking, adventurism.
- Vladislav- (glory). Dignity, firmness, tact. Tendency to show off, pomposity.
- Vsevolod- owning everything (glory). Talent, sociability, sociability. They can hold grudges and selfishness for a long time.
- Vyacheslav- great glory (glory). Gentleness, devotion, sociability, high diligence, a very developed sense of justice. Hot temper.
- Gennady– noble (Greek). Calmness, balance, perseverance, thoroughness and accuracy, nobility.
- Georgiy– farmer (Greek). Purposefulness, responsibility, commitment to family values. Extraordinary intelligence and courage. Tendency to arrogance.
- Hermann– half-blooded (lat.). High intuition, communication skills. Tendency to tell fictitious stories about oneself, hot temper.
- Gleb- tall, big (glorious). Courage, originality, thoroughness. They make excellent leaders. They can give the impression of an outwardly gloomy person.
Gregory– awake (Greek). Vitality, sociability, perseverance, intelligence. The name protects from external negativity. Hotness can determine a difficult fate.- Dmitriy– god of fertility (Greek). Persistence, ingenuity, sociability, good nature. They can easily become discouraged due to failures.
- Eugene– noble (Greek). Passionate, reliable, committed, tolerant. Possible psychopathic behavior.
- Efimy– complacent (Greek). Extreme hard work, huge reserves vitality. Very high sensitivity.
- Zachary- memory of the Lord (Heb.). Focus, hospitality, hard work, love for people. They may become depressed.
- Jacob– second by birth (Hebrew). Masculinity, determination, speed, sociability.
- Ignatius– unknown (lat.). Great abilities allow you to achieve success in any profession. Prone to violence and cunning.
- Igor- defender of God (glorified). Resilience, conscientiousness, sociability. They may overestimate themselves.
- Or me- the fortress of the Lord (Heb.). Restraint, balance, attentiveness to others, purposefulness.
People with this name very often achieve significant success in their careers.
- Innocent– innocent (lat.). Modesty, richness of spiritual life. Vulnerability.
- John– the grace of God (Heb.). Sensitivity, purposefulness. The name reveals the breadth of nature. Tightness.
- Joseph– multiplied (Heb.). Firmness, determination, success. Closedness.
- Hippolytus– (Greek). Hardness, mobility. Touchiness, lack of flexibility.
- Ismail– hears God (Heb.). Giftedness, brightness.
- Julius– Iuliev (Greek). Ambition, balance, activity.
Kirill- sun (pers.). Curiosity, success. The name enhances family loyalty.- Konstantin– hard, permanent (vb.). Responsibility, integrity, sense of humor. Tends to be fickle.
- Lavrentiy- laurel (lat.). Leadership, sociability. Stubbornness.
- a lion- kindness, gentleness. Stealth.
- Leonid- like a lion (Greek). Kindness, sociability, efficiency.
- Leonty- lion (Greek). Intelligence, good leaders. Arrogance.
- Macarius– blessed (Greek). Sociability, diligence, non-conflict. Changeability of character.
- Maksim– greatest (lat.). Self-sufficiency, restraint, intuition, easily establishes contacts with any people.
- Mark– dry, fading (lat.). Sobriety, practicality, unpretentiousness. Shows self-centeredness.
- Michael- like GOD (Heb.). Uniqueness, success. The name enhances the strong-willed qualities of a person.
- Modest– modest (lat.). Activity, willpower, sexuality, endurance. An inferiority complex may develop.
- Mstislav- defender of glory (glory). Internal energy, rich imagination. Self-love.
- Nahum– consolation (Heb.). Calmness, complaisance. Excessive touchiness.
- Nikita– winner (Greek). Leadership, creativity, intelligence. Lack of constancy in affections.
- Nikolay– conquering people (Greek). Kindness, tenderness, hard work, reliability. Tendency to do unexpected things.
- Oleg- saint (glorified). The soul of the company, activity, determination. Ruthlessness towards offenders.
Paul– small (lat.). Kindness, responsiveness, hard work. Jealousy.- Peter– stone (Greek). Good nature, truthfulness, intuition. High vulnerability.
- Plato– wide (Greek). High intelligence, efficiency, self-sufficiency. Self-love.
- Rodion– heroic (Greek). Independence, sociability, self-control. Ambition.
- Novel- Roman (lat.). Reasonableness, willpower, efficiency, wonderful mind. Closedness.
- Savva– wine (Heb.). Integrity, spirituality, uncompromisingness. Craving for loneliness.
- Seraphim– fiery (Heb.). Communication skills, ambition, fairness.
- Sergius– highly revered (lat.). Conscientiousness, communication skills, openness. Tendency to idealize.
- Stephen– crown (Greek). An excellent leader, an optimist. Not vindictive. Amorous.
- Tarasiy– exciting (Greek). Willpower, innovative thinking, energy. Takes a long time to make a decision.
- Timofey– worshiper of God (Greek). The ability to have deep feelings, independence, mobility. Emotional instability.
- Felix– happy (lat.). Intelligence, independence, communication skills. Snobbery.
- Theodore- God's gift (Greek). Good nature, balance, easygoingness, reliability. It is necessary to develop a sense of humor.
- Phillip- lover of horses (old). Purposefulness, justice, constancy. Excessive temper.
- Filaret– lover of virtues (Greek). Demanding, purposeful, amorous.
- Khariton– gracious (Greek). Reliability, morality, authority.
- Yuri- farmer (glorified). Originality, firmness, good nature, intuition.
By choosing a name according to the calendar, you can superimpose the energy and character of the name onto the zodiac properties of the newborn’s nature so that they are consonant and do not contradict each other. Then a Guardian Angel will help the person, and the stars will shine brighter.
