In the USA, name days are not widely celebrated, but they are recognized in some communities, particularly among those with Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Hispanic traditions. A name day is similar to a birthday but celebrates the feast day of the saint or religious figure after whom a person is named. The date of the name day varies depending on the calendar of saints and the person's name. In some families, name days are marked by giving small gifts, flowers, or best wishes, similar to birthday celebrations. In countries like Greece, Hungary, and Poland, name days are major social events with public celebrations, often more significant than birthdays. People might host parties or gatherings, and it’s common to receive congratulations from friends and family. In the US, while not a nationwide tradition, some people of European descent may still observe name days within their families or religious communities. These celebrations are especially popular in areas with a strong presence of Eastern European or Mediterranean populations.
