Ivan: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Name days are traditional celebrations marking the feast day of a saint after whom a person is named, often holding greater cultural significance than birthdays in certain countries. The name Ivan carries a rich history and is exceptionally popular, especially throughout the Slavic world, reflecting centuries of usage. Originating as the Slavic variation of John, Ivan fundamentally means "God is gracious." Its mood is often perceived as strong, classic, and profoundly traditional, aligning with its robust historical foundation. Given its long ecclesiastical history, Ivan celebrates numerous name days across various countries throughout the calendar year.

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 is a widely recognized and historically significant name, particularly across Slavic-speaking nations like Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria where it remains highly popular. In the United States, Ivan has maintained moderate but consistent usage, often appealing to families with Eastern European heritage, though it has seen broader recognition in recent decades. The name boasts a profound history, rooted deeply in royal and religious traditions throughout Eastern Europe for centuries. Its familiarity globally ensures it is generally easy to pronounce across many linguistic barriers. This name is considered a timeless classic in many parts of the world, maintaining strong usage rankings year after year.

Name origin and meaning

The name Ivan is derived from the Old Church Slavonic form of the Hebrew name Yochanan. In essence, it carries the profound meaning of "God is gracious" or "Yahweh is merciful." Ivan is frequently cited as the quintessential Slavic equivalent of the name John. This designation highlights its strong religious and traditional foundations within Eastern European culture. It is a traditional name that has been passed down through generations, emphasizing historical continuity.

Name Identity: Gender Classification

Ivan is unequivocally classified as a masculine given name throughout the world. There are virtually no recorded instances of Ivan being used as a female or unisex name in any major geographical region. It maintains its strict male identity across Slavic countries, Western Europe, and the Americas. While some names transition over time or across borders, Ivan remains firmly rooted in male nomenclature globally. This consistent classification makes it an easily identifiable male name in any culture.

The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality

The name Ivan evokes a strong, robust, and traditional personality. It carries a classical yet powerful tone, suggesting reliability and an enduring presence. The mood associated with Ivan is generally one of grounded strength rather than playful lightness. It also possesses a traditional, slightly serious vibe, often associated with historical figures and long lineage. Overall, Ivan projects an image that is serious, established, and historically resonant.

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 Name of Traditional Strength

In conclusion, Ivan is a classic male name with enormous historical weight, maintaining strong popularity globally and moderate usage in the USA. Its identity is firmly masculine, recognized universally as the Slavic form of John, meaning "God is gracious." The name projects a mood of traditional strength and enduring seriousness, reflecting its historical prominence. Due to its widespread use and religious ties across different nations, Ivan is celebrated on multiple name days throughout the year. This combination of traditional meaning, strong tone, and rich heritage defines the enduring appeal of the name Ivan.

When Is Your Name Day?

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