he Roman Catholic calender of saints are the main references used for Name Day. The Calender of Saints dates back to Late Antiquity and continued to be created well into the Middle Ages. Since then, there has been many different versions of the calender of saints including the Church of England calender of saints in which the more recent, Christian saints of English origin have been added to the calender. There is also a calender of saints tailored to the Lutheran religion, Eastern Orthodox, and Episcopal Church of the United States. These calenders list the names of saints that correspond to a particular day on the calender. Each day of the year has the name of a saint attached to it and in some cases, more than one name. If a person is named after a saint, or happens to have the name of a saint, then that person would celebrate whichever day is designated on the calender of saints for their name. The followers of these religions would celebrate the saint who they were named after.
In more modern times, Name Day often lacks the religious association and in certain countries it is simply a fun day to celebrate one's name. The way in which Name Day is celebrated depends on the country, local traditions, and religious affiliation. Name Day in Greece, for example, is celebrated in a similar fashion that Birthdays are celebrated. Usually a large meal is presented for the guests of the celebration and sometimes presents are given. It may be a smaller celebration with only family and a few close friends or it may be an open-house celebration with many people and a large, elaborate feast. Children in particular celebrate their Name Day with great festivities, often with many gifts and desserts similar to a normal Birthday party.