What S Imeninami Means and How to Send Name Day Flowers
S imeninami means "Happy name day" in Russian: it is a greeting for someone's name day, traditionally associated with a saint whose name they bear. It is not the usual birthday greeting, so use it when you know the recipient observes the occasion. You can write it on its own or follow it with a short, personal wish.
Customers choosing flowers for relatives in Russia often need help with two things: confirming the occasion and finding words that sound warm without becoming overly formal. At Pyat Tsvetov (5 Flowers), we have served customers through our Saint Petersburg flower shops since 2011. For a name day gift, the most useful starting points are the recipient's habits, favourite flowers and the message you want the bouquet to carry.
What the greeting means and when to use it
The spelling s imeninami represents a Russian phrase written in Latin letters. Imeniny means name day, while the full expression works as a congratulatory greeting. Transliteration varies, so you may see slightly different spellings online. If you are writing in English, "Happy name day, Anna" conveys the meaning clearly without requiring the recipient to interpret a transliteration.
A name day and a birthday mark different occasions, even when a family celebrates both with flowers and a meal. The traditional name day connection is religious, but the importance of the occasion varies from person to person. Some recipients observe it closely; others may barely acknowledge it. Match your gesture to the individual rather than assuming that every Russian-speaking person expects congratulations.
Before scheduling flowers, confirm the date with the recipient or someone who knows their family tradition. Looking up a first name alone can produce several possible dates, and different calendars can cause confusion. A family's established date is more useful than an unexplained search result. Our guide to Russian name days and their traditions gives further context for choosing the right occasion.
Write a name day card that sounds like you
Begin with the recipient's name and a direct greeting, then add one wish that suits your relationship. For a relative, "Happy name day, Maria. Sending you love and wishing you a peaceful, happy day" is enough. For a friend, mention something personal, such as enjoying a catch-up soon. A few sincere lines usually feel more natural than a long ceremonial message.
Religious wording suits someone whose observance you know, but it is not necessary for every card. "Wishing you peace and joy on your name day" leaves room for different ways of marking the occasion. Avoid references to a particular saint or blessing unless you are confident they fit the recipient's beliefs. You can also write the whole card in English if that is the language you normally share.
We include a card with your text free of charge, so prepare the wording when you place the order. Delivery is anonymous by default: the courier does not name the sender. Sign the card if you want your relative or friend to know immediately who sent the flowers. A first name may be enough within a close family, while a fuller signature helps when several people share the same name.
Bouquets we can deliver
Choose flowers for the person and the occasion
Start with flowers or colours the recipient already enjoys, then consider the relationship. Roses can suit a name day, although red roses may suggest romance when sent to a partner or someone you are courting. For a relative or colleague, a mixed palette can make the intention easier to read. Your card supplies the clearest meaning, so do not rely on a flower colour to explain the occasion.
When giving cut flowers in Russia, an odd number is the customary choice for a celebratory bouquet whose stems are counted individually. Even numbers are traditionally associated with mourning. This distinction is most noticeable in a simple bouquet of one flower type; a mixed arrangement can be harder to count at a glance. If you are unfamiliar with the custom, keep it in mind while comparing bouquets.
Think about where the flowers will stand as well as how they look in a photograph. A compact bouquet is easier to accommodate on a desk or small table, while tall stems need a suitable vase and more space. If the recipient dislikes strong scents, let that preference guide your choice. Browse the bouquets catalogue with those practical details in mind, rather than choosing by size alone.
Plan delivery around the recipient's day
A name day bouquet is easiest to receive when its arrival fits the person's routine. For someone working away from home, confirm which address will be useful on the day. A surprise does not need to depend on an unexpected knock at an empty flat. Choose a delivery period when the recipient is likely to be available, particularly if you are arranging everything from another country.
In large cities, express delivery is available in 1–2 hours after the order is confirmed. Other timing options include an exact time with a tolerance of plus or minus 30 minutes, or the windows 09–12, 12–15, 15–18 and 18–21. Orders can also be placed 1–30 days ahead. When ordering from abroad, check the time at the destination before selecting the arrival time.
Delivery in Saint Petersburg is available around the clock. The courier calls the recipient about 15 minutes before arrival, so provide a number on which they can be reached. If the recipient is absent, we agree a second delivery that day or, with the sender's consent, hand the flowers to a neighbour or concierge. Keep that possibility in mind if the recipient's schedule is uncertain.
Order name day flowers to Russia from abroad
We deliver flowers across Russia, so begin with the destination city and the recipient's address. Have their phone number, your preferred delivery date and the finished card text ready before checkout. Check building and flat details carefully, especially if you have copied the address from an old message. Accurate contact information helps the courier arrange the final approach to the recipient.
City delivery costs 500 RUB. For remote districts and suburbs, the operator confirms the delivery price when confirming the order. If the address is outside the main city area, leave room for that confirmation in your planning. The delivery and payment information is a useful reference when coordinating a gift across time zones.
Online checkout uses CloudPayments; check the payment options displayed there for your order. Acceptance of a particular foreign card should not be assumed. If you need help with an order or delivery details, call 8 (812) 507-67-05. Before completing checkout, review the destination, date, recipient's phone number and card signature together so the flowers and greeting reach the intended person.
Help the bouquet stay fresh after arrival
For a hand-tied bouquet intended for a vase, start with a clean container and fresh water. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline, then trim the stem ends with a clean, sharp tool before placing them in water. Keep decorative paper out of the water. If the flowers arrive in a container or floral foam, follow the care instructions for that arrangement instead of dismantling it.
Place the flowers away from radiators, direct sunlight and draughts. Avoid a spot beside a fruit bowl, because ripening fruit can shorten the vase life of some flowers. Check the water level daily and refresh the water regularly, cleaning the vase when needed. Remove fading blooms and submerged plant material so they do not remain in the water with healthy stems.
Use any supplied flower food according to its packet instructions rather than guessing the amount. Different flowers open and age at different rates, so judge the bouquet by the condition of its individual stems. For a recipient who enjoys caring for flowers, a simple vase-ready bouquet may be a thoughtful fit. Choose something that suits their space and routine, and let the signed name day card make the occasion personal.
Frequently asked questions
What does s imeninami mean in English?
It means "Happy name day" in Russian. The phrase congratulates someone on their name day, traditionally linked to a saint whose name they bear.
Can I use s imeninami for a birthday?
Use it for a name day rather than as the usual birthday greeting. If you are unsure which occasion someone is celebrating, confirm it before writing the card.
Are flowers appropriate for a Russian name day?
Flowers can be a thoughtful gift for someone who observes their name day. Choose according to their preferences, and follow the Russian custom of an odd number when giving individually counted cut flowers for a celebration.
Can I send a signed card with the flowers?
Yes, a card with your text is free. The courier does not name the sender by default, so include your signature if you want the recipient to know who sent the bouquet.
How do I pay for flowers when ordering from abroad?
Online checkout uses CloudPayments. Check the options displayed at checkout, as acceptance of every foreign card is not guaranteed.
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