name day

American  

noun

1. the feast day of the saint after whom a person is named.

2. the day on which a person is christened.

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name day British  

noun

1. RC Church the feast day of a saint whose name one bears

2. another name for ticket day

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Etymology

Origin of name day

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

"I wonder, Princess," he says, "was your own second name day as grand as this?"

From Salon

Her assistant, Bea, likes to celebrate her name day, as is a common custom in countries across Europe and Latin America, so she works over the Summer bank holiday too.

From BBC

Whereas birthdays celebrate individuals, name days are collective holidays marked by national calendars, radio stations and news outlets, days when people are feted just for answering to particular appellations.

From New York Times

My heart is filled with love and garbage.Tomorrow, as you may know, is my name day.

From The Verge

In many countries, given names are observed with a “name day,” which is often celebrated in a similar manner to a birthday.

From Washington Times