Name Days Are Twice the Fun
As if one birthday celebration a year wasn't enough, Italians traditionally celebrate twice! No, Italy hasn't perfected human cloning yet. Instead, everyone marks not only their birthdate but their name day (or onomastico, in Italian). Children are often named for saints, typically for the saint on whose feast day they were born, but sometimes for a saint for whom the parents feel a special connection or for the patron saint of the town they live in. June 13, for example, is the feast day of St. Antonio, the patron saint of Padova.

A name day is a reason to celebrate and often is as important as a birthday for many Italians. The celebration can include cake, sparkling white wine known as Asti Spumante, and small gifts. Each Italian baby name entry includes the onomastico or name day with a brief description of the historical figure or saint represented. Keep in mind that November 1 is La Festa d'Ognissanti (All Saint's Day), the day in which all saints not represented on the calendar are remembered. Find your name day now and start a new tradition!

Italian Baby Names > Page 1, 2, 3