10 Most Popular Greek Names and What They Mean

In Greece, birthdays aren’t the biggest celebration of the year for children. Instead, many Greek kids look forward to their Name Day—a special day dedicated to the saint they are named after. This tradition is deeply rooted in the Greek Orthodox faith and continues to be a beloved cultural practice.

What Is a Name Day?

A name day is the feast day of a Christian saint, and each name connected to a saint has its own celebration day on the calendar. For example, a child named Maria might celebrate her name day on the Feast of the Virgin Mary. On this day, the child receives visits, warm wishes, and sometimes small gifts or treats from friends and family.

Naming Traditions in Greek Families

Traditionally, Greek children are named after their grandparents, especially the firstborn. This practice helps preserve family heritage and keeps the names of beloved relatives alive across generations. It’s not uncommon to meet many people with the same name in a Greek community!

Most Popular Greek Names for Children

These names are commonly used in Greek-speaking communities and are often linked to saints celebrated on specific days of the year.

Popular Girls’ Names:

• Maria
• Eleni
• Aikaterini / Katerina
• Vasiliki / Basiliki
• Sophia
• Angeliki
• Georgia
• Dimitra

Popular Boys’ Names:

• Georgios
• Konstantinos
• Dimitrios
• Ioannis
• Nikolaos
• Panagiotis
• Christos
• Vasileios
• Athanasios
• Evangelos

Learning these names not only teaches children how Greeks name their kids but also gives insight into religion, family, and tradition.

Celebrate Greek Culture While Learning the Language

Want to make learning Greek more meaningful and fun? Dinolingo’s Greek lessons combine language learning with stories, songs, and cultural facts like how and why kids celebrate their name days. This playful approach helps children connect emotionally with the language and understand the culture behind it.