Do Russians Celebrate Name Days? What Imeniny Mean Today
Yes, Russians do celebrate name days, called imeniny or den angela (angel's day). The custom comes from the Orthodox calendar, where each day honours particular saints, and a person celebrates on the feast of the saint they share a name with. Today it is usually a smaller, warmer occasion than a birthday, with congratulations, a call and often flowers or sweets.
How seriously a family takes it varies a lot. In our Saint Petersburg shops we see name day orders every week, and a handful of dates, such as Tatiana's Day in January and the day of Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov and Sofia in September, bring a real rush. Here is what customers from abroad usually want to know before they send their congratulations.
Where the tradition comes from and how it changed
Before 1917 a name day was often more important than a birthday. Children were usually named after a saint whose feast fell on or soon after their birth, and the family marked the day with church, guests and a festive table. Many people of that era barely celebrated their birth date at all.
In the Soviet period religious holidays were discouraged, and birthdays took over as the main personal celebration. Name days survived quietly in many families, especially among older relatives and believers. Since the 1990s the custom has come back, and it is now widely known even by people who do not go to church.
The result is a mixed picture. For some Russians a name day is a real holiday with guests; for others it is a pleasant extra reason for a phone call and a small gift. For most, a congratulation on the right day is appreciated and shows you know something personal about them.
How to find the right date
Most names appear in the church calendar several times a year, because several saints share them. The traditional rule is that a person's name day is the first feast of their saint that falls on or after their birthday. A Mariya born in early spring and a Mariya born in autumn may therefore celebrate on different days. Families who baptised a child often know the exact date from the baptism.
A few dates are so well known that almost everyone with the name celebrates on them. Tatiana's Day on 25 January is also the Russian Students' Day. Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov and their mother Sofia share 30 September, one of the busiest days of the year for florists. Olga is celebrated on 24 July, Elena on 3 June, and many Nikolays mark 19 December, the winter feast of Saint Nicholas.
If you are not sure of the date, the simplest approach is to ask a relative of the person, or the person themselves. Asking is not considered rude; it shows interest. The difference between a name day and a birthday, and why each calls for a slightly different gift, is explained in our article Name Day vs Birthday Flowers in Russia.
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How a name day is celebrated today
The typical name day is low-key. Friends and family call or message with 's dnyom angela' (happy angel's day) or 's imeninami' (happy name day). Colleagues may bring a cake to the office, and close relatives often stop by with a small present. Believers may go to church in the morning and light a candle in front of the icon of their saint.
Gifts are usually modest compared with a birthday: flowers, a box of chocolates, a book, a small icon of the patron saint for a religious person, or something homemade. Expensive presents are not expected and can even feel out of place. What matters is remembering the day.
For older relatives in particular, a name day congratulation from someone living abroad means a lot. Grandmothers who grew up with the tradition often remember who called them on their name day long after they forget birthday wishes.
Which flowers suit a name day
Customers often ask whether name day flowers should be different from birthday flowers. In practice the bouquet is usually a little more modest and gentle: soft pink, cream or white roses, spray roses, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria or a small mixed bouquet. Many people like a light, spring-like arrangement rather than a large showy one.
White flowers are entirely appropriate for a name day, especially for the religious side of the occasion; they suggest purity and the saint's feast rather than mourning. The usual Russian rules still apply: an odd number of stems in a small bouquet, since even numbers are for funerals, and no artificial flowers. For more ideas, see Flowers for a Russian Name Day: Tradition, Timing.
For Tatiana's Day, students and young women often receive bright, cheerful bouquets, while on 30 September a mother named Lyubov or Nadezhda might get flowers from each of her children. It is a nice idea to mention the saint or the meaning of the name on the card: Vera means faith, Nadezhda hope, Lyubov love and Sofia wisdom.
Card wording for a name day
Short and warm is right for a name day card. The classic opening is 'S dnyom angela!' (Happy angel's day!), followed by a wish for health, joy and the protection of the patron saint. 'S imeninami, dorogaya Tatiana!' means 'Happy name day, dear Tatiana!' and works for a friend or relative of any age.
For a religious recipient you can add 'Pust angel-khranitel beregyot tebya' (May your guardian angel keep you). For someone secular, a simple 'Pozdravlyayu s imeninami i obnimayu' (Congratulations on your name day, a big hug) is enough. Writing in English is also fine; many recipients appreciate an English card from a friend abroad as much as a Russian one.
Sending name day flowers from abroad
Pyat Tsvetov has been working since 2011 and has three of its own shops in Saint Petersburg, on Ilyushina Street, Obvodny Canal Embankment and Srednerogatskaya Street, and we deliver across Russia. City delivery costs 500 RUB; for remote districts and suburbs the operator confirms the price when confirming the order. Because popular name days such as 30 September bring a lot of orders, pre-ordering 1 to 30 days ahead is the most reliable choice.
In large cities express delivery takes 1 to 2 hours after the order is confirmed, or you can pick an exact time (plus or minus 30 minutes) or a window of 09 to 12, 12 to 15, 15 to 18 or 18 to 21. In Saint Petersburg we deliver around the clock, so you can time an early surprise before the recipient leaves for church or work. The courier calls about 15 minutes before arrival; if the recipient is out, we agree a second delivery the same day or leave the flowers with a neighbour or concierge with your consent.
The card with your text is free and delivery is anonymous by default, so sign the card if you want to be recognised. Payment is online by bank card, SBP or Yandex Pay, and foreign bank cards are accepted via Robokassa. Choose a bouquet in the catalogue, and for any questions call 8 (812) 507-67-05. We deliver bouquets across Russia in 1–2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Russians celebrate name days?
No, but many do, especially older people and Orthodox believers. Even those who do not celebrate usually appreciate a congratulation on their saint's day.
Is a name day more important than a birthday in Russia?
Today the birthday is the bigger occasion for most people. Before the revolution the name day often mattered more, and some families still keep that tradition.
How do I find out someone's name day?
It is traditionally the first feast of their patron saint on or after their birthday. The simplest way is to ask the person or a relative, which is considered a kind gesture.
What is a good name day gift in Russia?
Flowers, chocolates, a book or a small icon of the patron saint are typical. Name day gifts are usually more modest than birthday presents.
What do you say to someone on their name day?
The usual greetings are 'S dnyom angela!' (Happy angel's day) or 'S imeninami!' (Happy name day). A short wish for health and happiness completes the message.
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