Name days in December in Austria

This page displays a complete list of name days for a specific country and month, organized by date. Each name listed is associated with a particular day in the traditional name day calendar. Click on any name to explore its meaning, history, and related names.

Name Days: Tradition, Meaning, and Celebration

Name days in Austria are celebrated similarly to birthdays, but they are based on the day associated with a person's given name. The tradition is linked to the feast days of saints in the Christian calendar, with each name having a designated day. On this day, people who share that name receive congratulations, well wishes, and sometimes gifts. It is common for friends and family to gather for small celebrations, and special meals or cakes may be shared. In Austria, name days are especially popular in Catholic regions, though they are observed across the country. Some people even receive flowers or cards in honor of their name day. While not as widely celebrated as birthdays, name days still hold significance in Austrian culture, especially among older generations. The customs vary slightly by region, but the core practice of honoring a person based on their name remains the same.

Name days in December in Austria: Complete List of Names and Dates

Here is a complete list of names and their corresponding dates for the selected period. Each name is associated with a specific day, following the traditional name day calendar. Browse the list to find names and their designated dates in chronological order.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Austria	December	1	Blanka, Charles, Eligius, Natalie
Austria	December	2	Bibiana, Jan, Lucius
Austria	December	3	Emma, Franz Xaver, Jason
Austria	December	4	Adolf, Barbara, Johannes
Austria	December	5	Anno, Gerald, Niels, Reinhard
Austria	December	6	Denise, Henrike, Nikolaus
Austria	December	7	Ambrosius, Benedikte
Austria	December	8	Edith, Elfriede
Austria	December	9	Liborius, Reinmar, Valerie
Austria	December	10	Angelina, Bruno, Emma
Austria	December	11	Arthur, Damasus, Tassilo
Austria	December	12	Johanna
Austria	December	13	Jodok, Lucia, Odilia
Austria	December	14	Berthold, Johannes
Austria	December	15	Carlo, Christiane, Nina
Austria	December	16	Adelheid, Heidi, Elke
Austria	December	17	Jolanda, Lazarus, Viviana
Austria	December	18	Philipp, Wunibald
Austria	December	19	Benjamin, Susanne
Austria	December	20	Eike, Holger, Julius, Regina
Austria	December	21	Hagar, Peter
Austria	December	22	Jutta
Austria	December	23	Victoria
Austria	December	24	Adam, Eva
Austria	December	25	Anastasia, Eugenia, Josefina, Therese
Austria	December	26	Stephan, Stephanie
Austria	December	27	Fabiola
Austria	December	28	Donna, Mattea
Austria	December	29	David, Jonathan, Thomas
Austria	December	30	Felix, Lothar
Austria	December	31	Melanie, Silvester

Name Days in Austria: Tradition, Significance, and Celebrations

The tradition of name days in Austria has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally, name days were closely linked to the Catholic Church’s calendar of saints. Each day was dedicated to a specific saint, and people who bore that name celebrated their name day on that date. In the past, name days were often more important than birthdays, as they had a strong religious significance and were solemnly observed in many families.

Name Days in Modern Society

Today, the significance of name days has changed. While they once played a major role in social and religious life, they are now more of a private affair. In religious circles, rural areas, and traditionally oriented families, name days are still consciously celebrated. However, in urban regions, they have lost importance, with birthday celebrations taking precedence.

Regional Differences in Austria

There are regional differences in the celebration of name days within Austria. In rural areas, particularly in strongly Catholic states such as Salzburg, Tyrol, and Upper Austria, name days are more commonly observed than in large cities like Vienna or Graz. In these regions, it is customary for friends and family to congratulate the name day celebrant and present small gifts. In other parts of the country, name days are considered more of a personal event without major festivities.

How Are Name Days Celebrated?

The way name days are celebrated varies from family to family. Some people receive phone calls or messages with congratulations from relatives or friends, while others organize a small gathering with close family. In some families, it is traditional to mark the day with a special meal or a cake. Older generations often place more value on name days than younger people, who may not celebrate them consciously.

Name Days Compared to Other Countries

Compared to other European countries, the celebration of name days in Austria differs. In strongly Catholic countries such as Poland or Spain, name days hold much greater significance and are often marked by large festivities. In Scandinavia or Germany, name days are less commonly celebrated or have a minor role. In Hungary or Greece, however, name days can sometimes be even more important than birthdays.

Name Day Calendars and Their Significance

Many Austrian families refer to Catholic name day calendars, which are available in churches or online, to determine name days. These calendars list the saints honored on specific days. Some calendars are based on local traditions, while others follow international or ecclesiastical guidelines.

How to Surprise Someone on Their Name Day

A small token or heartfelt gesture can make a name day special. A phone call or a thoughtful message shows that you are thinking of the person. Small gifts such as flowers, a chocolate treat, or a handwritten card are popular gestures. For a more personal touch, one can plan an outing or a shared meal.

Name Days in the Workplace

In some traditional businesses or church-affiliated institutions, name days provide an opportunity to congratulate colleagues or organize a small celebration during lunch breaks. However, this practice is not very common and is usually only observed in highly traditional workplaces. In modern companies, name days are rarely mentioned, whereas in small family businesses or rural areas, they may still be acknowledged.

Name Days and Children

For children, a name day can be a joyful occasion, especially if the family values the tradition. Parents often take the opportunity to make their child happy with a small treat, such as a special meal, a little gift, or a meaningful ritual like telling a story about the name’s patron saint. In Catholic schools or church institutions, name day children may receive special attention.

The Future of the Name Day Tradition in Austria

The celebration of name days in Austria will continue to depend largely on personal or family traditions. While many young people pay little attention to name days, there are still regions and families where they play an important role. The increasing individualization and secularization of society could lead to a decline in the significance of name days, but for many, they remain a symbol of connection and appreciation.

When Is Your Name Day?

Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!

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