Days of Angels in January: Who Celebrates Their Name Day (Іменини)

In Ukraine, Name Days (Іменини)—also known as Days of Angels—are an important tradition rooted in the Orthodox and Greek Catholic calendars. Each day honors saints, and people named after them celebrate their spiritual birthday.

If you are planning to send a gift, cake, chocolates, or a warm message to loved ones in Ukraine, knowing their Day of Angel is a thoughtful gesture.

Below is a January calendar of name days, with a short meaning of each name.

January Name Days Calendar (Іменини)

January 1

Ілля (Illia) – “My God is the Lord”; strong faith and leadership
Василь (Vasyl) – “Royal, kingly”; authority and wisdom

January 2

Ігнат (Ignat) – “Fiery, passionate”; determination and energy

January 3

Петро (Petro) – “Rock”; reliability and strength
Протасій (Protasii) – “Progressive”; growth and persistence

January 4

Анастасія (Anastasiia) – “Resurrection”; renewal and hope

January 6

Микола (Mykola) – “Victory of the people”; kindness and generosity

January 7

Іван (Ivan) – “God is gracious”; honesty and devotion

January 8

Марія (Mariia) – “Beloved, chosen”; purity and compassion

January 9

Степан (Stepan) – “Crown”; dignity and perseverance

January 10

Ігнатій (Ignatii) – “Fiery one”; strong will and leadership

January 11

Варвара (Varvara) – “Stranger, protector”; inner strength and faith

January 12

Тетяна (Tetiana) – “Organizer, founder”; responsibility and intellect

January 14

Василь (Vasyl) – “Royal”; prosperity and confidence

January 15

Сильвестр (Sylvestr) – “Of the forest”; calm wisdom and balance

January 16

Гордій (Hordii) – “Proud, dignified”; honor and courage

January 17

Антон (Anton) – “Priceless”; loyalty and discipline

January 18

Афанасій (Afanасii) – “Immortal”; endurance and wisdom

January 19

Макар (Makar) – “Blessed, happy”; optimism and kindness

January 20

Євген (Yevhen) – “Well-born”; intelligence and adaptability

January 21

Георгій (Heorhii) – “Farmer, earth-worker”; resilience and dedication

January 22

Петро (Petro) – “Rock”; steadfast character

January 23

Павло (Pavlo) – “Humble”; wisdom and modesty

January 24

Федір (Fedir) – “God’s gift”; generosity and reliability

January 25

Тетяна (Tetiana) – “Founder”; leadership and clarity

January 26

Єрмолай (Yermolai) – “Messenger of the people”; responsibility

January 27

Ніна (Nina) – “Queen”; grace and inner power

January 28

Павло (Pavlo) – “Humble”; spiritual depth

January 29

Максим (Maksym) – “Greatest”; ambition and confidence

January 30

Антоній (Antonii) – “Priceless”; determination and discipline

January 31

Кирило (Kyrylo) – “Lordly”; intellect and leadership

How Name Days Are Celebrated in Ukraine

• Warm wishes and phone calls
• Small gatherings with family
• Gifts such as cakes, chocolates, flowers, or toys for children
• Often celebrated even more warmly than birthdays

A Thoughtful Reminder

If you are far from your loved ones, sending a gift delivery in Ukraine on their Day of Angel is a meaningful way to show care, support, and connection.