Ivan: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Name days are traditional celebrations observed in many European and Latin American countries, often marking the feast day of the saint after whom a person is named. The name Ivan carries a rich history, being the Slavic equivalent of John, which translates to the deeply meaningful phrase "God is gracious." Its general mood is robust and strong, suggesting a determined and traditional personality, perfectly aligned with its masculine identity. This classic name is celebrated across many regions due to its enduring religious significance and cultural weight. Ivan enjoys numerous name day observances throughout the year, spanning countries from Bulgaria to the USA and Scandinavia.

Name Day: Dates by Country

Ivan's name day is celebrated
on January 7 in Bulgaria,
January 22 in Norway,
January 31 in Croatia,
March 8 in Croatia,
May 24 in Sweden,
June 24 in Hungary (Iván), Spain (Iván), Ukraine and the USA,
June 25 in Czechia,
June 26 in Croatia,
July 8 in Slovakia and
December 13 in Croatia.

The Story Behind This Name

Ivan has seen steady usage in the United States, often associated with Eastern European immigration and cultural presence. Its historical adoption in the US peaked around the mid-20th century but remained consistently used across various decades. Historically, the name has strong ties to royalty and significant figures in Slavic nations, which influences its perception globally. In the USA, it sometimes carries a slightly rugged or classic international feeling, appealing to parents seeking traditional names. Despite never reaching peak popularity levels comparable to traditional American names, Ivan maintains a familiar and accessible status within diverse communities.

Name origin and meaning

The name Ivan is a classic given name that functions as the common Slavic counterpart to the name John. It derives from the ancient Greek name Ioannes, which itself originates from the Hebrew name Yochanan. Yochanan translates powerfully to mean "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is merciful." This deep religious root explains its widespread adoption throughout Eastern Orthodox Christian cultures for centuries. Therefore, Ivan inherently carries connotations of grace and divine favor due to its long linguistic ancestry.

Name Identity: Gender Classification

Ivan is overwhelmingly classified as a male given name throughout the world, particularly in regions where Slavic languages are spoken. Historically, culturally, and linguistically, it has functioned almost exclusively as a masculine identifier. There are no widely recognized usages of Ivan as a female name or a truly unisex name in major English or Slavic-speaking regions. However, specific diminutive forms or regional variants might occasionally be applied loosely in informal settings depending on local custom. Globally, anyone encountering the name Ivan will invariably presume the bearer to be male due to this strong tradition.

The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality

The name Ivan projects a decidedly strong and classic mood, often viewed as robust and unwavering. It possesses a tone that is simultaneously historical and grounded, avoiding overly playful or excessively modern associations. Ivan can evoke a sense of tradition and reliability, suggesting a personality that is forthright and determined. While possessing an elegant simplicity in its structure, its inherent power leans more toward a rugged strength than a delicate softness. Overall, the name establishes a serious and respectable international vibe.

Mirror Magic: Ivan & Navi

Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.

See also: Navi: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Ivan

Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.

Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name

Destiny number: 1 – The Leader.
Keywords: Independence, ambition, innovation, leadership, determination.
Positive Traits: Self-motivated, original thinker, confident, goal-oriented, strong-willed.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, egotistical, or overly competitive.
Life Path Meaning: A path of leadership, individuality, and pioneering new ideas.

Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights

First name number: 4 - The Builder.
Traits: Practical, disciplined, hardworking, stable.
Strengths: Reliable, strong work ethic, good organizer, structured.
Challenges: Can be rigid, stubborn, or struggle with change.

The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You

The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Sun - Leadership, Confidence, Vitality.
The Sun represents power, authority, and self-expression. Names influenced by the Sun often belong to individuals who are natural-born leaders, radiating warmth, charisma, and creativity. They tend to have a strong presence, a sense of purpose, and a desire for recognition. Sun-ruled names often evoke images of brightness, strength, and nobility.

Name days: Name Ivan

This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Bulgaria	January	7	Encho, Enio, Ioan, Ioana, Ivan, Ivanka, Ivayla, Ivaylo, Ivelin, Ivelina, Ivet, Ivo, Kaloian, Kaloyan, Vania, Vanio, Yoan, Yoncho, Yonka, Yonko, Yoto, Zhan, Zhana
Norway	January	22	Ivan, Vanja
Croatia	January	31	Ivan, Julije, Marcela
Croatia	March	8	Ivan, Pačista
Sweden	May	24	Ivan, Vanja
Hungary	June	24	Iván
Spain	June	24	Ivana, Iván, Jean, Joan, Jon, Juan, Juana
Ukraine	June	24	Bohuslav, Bohuslava, Boris, Boryslav, Boryslava, Ivan, Jean, Joan, Johanna, John, Slavka, Slavko, Yvonna
USA	June	24	Giovanna, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Jana, Jean, Jeanette, Jeannette, Johan, John, Johnnie, Johnny, Juan, Juana, Juanita, Sean, Shana, Shane, Shanna, Yancy
Czechia	June	25	Ivan
Croatia	June	26	Ivan, Pavao, Vigilije, Zoran
Slovakia	July	8	Ivan
Croatia	December	13	Ivan, Krševan

Name days: Similar names (Ivan)

Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Greece	January	7	Gianna, Giannis, Ioannis, Ivana, Jeannette, John, Prodromos
Latvia	January	8	Erhads, Gatis, Gundabis, Ivanda
Croatia	January	12	Arkadije, Ernest, Živana
Croatia	March	27	Ivan Damašć., Lada, Lidija, Rupert
Czechia	April	4	Ivana
Croatia	April	7	Epifan, Herman, Ivan de la Salle
Croatia	May	10	Gospa Trsat, Ivan Merz
Croatia	May	16	Andrija Bobola, Ivan Nepomuk, Nenad
Croatia	May	18	Ivan I. papa, Srecko, Venancije
Croatia	May	30	Ivana Arška
Croatia	June	10	Bl. Ivan Dominici, Dijana, Margareta
Croatia	June	12	Bosiljko, Ivan Fakundo, Nino
Croatia	June	22	Ivan Fisher, Toma More
Croatia	June	24	Rodenje Ivana Krstitelja
Croatia	July	23	Brigita Švedska, Ivan Cassian, Slobodan
Croatia	August	4	Ivan M. Vianney, Ivica, Tertulijan
Croatia	August	13	Hipolit, Ivan Berchmans, Poncijan
Croatia	August	19	Ivan Eudes
Croatia	August	29	Glavosijek Ivana Krstitelja, Sabina R.
Croatia	September	13	Ivan Zlatousti, Ljubo
Croatia	September	18	Irena, Ivan Macias, J. Kupert.
Latvia	September	23	Ivanda, Omula, Vanda, Veneranda
Croatia	October	9	Dionizije, Ivan Leon, Ljudevit Bertran
Croatia	October	23	Borislav, Ivan Kapistran, Severin
Croatia	November	9	Ivan Lateranski
USA	November	9	Orestes, Sullivan, Vaughan, Vaughn
Croatia	November	14	Ivan Trogirski, Nikola Tavelic
Croatia	December	4	Barbara, Ivan Damašcanski
Croatia	December	11	Ivana Franciska Ch.
Croatia	December	22	Ivan Kentijski, Viktorija
Croatia	December	26	Ivan ev., Ivo, Janko
Slovakia	December	28	Ivana

Ivan a Strong Classic Name

Ivan is a deeply traditional male name with substantial historical roots, reflecting its powerful meaning of "God is gracious." Its established use in the USA reflects its status as a strong, classic international choice that maintains a serious and enduring mood. Gender classification confirms its universally masculine identity across regions globally, ensuring unambiguous usage. The widespread cultural importance of Ivan is evidenced by its celebration on multiple name days throughout the calendar year. These regular observances span diverse locations, highlighting the name's broad geographical reach and lasting influence across continents.

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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