What is a névnap?
A névnap is a “name day”: a calendar date associated with a given name. In Hungary, name days remain a recognizable social tradition.
How name days work
Many calendars display one or more given names beside each date. When your name’s date arrives, family, friends or colleagues may acknowledge it with a greeting, flowers, sweets or a small gift. The scale is usually more modest than a birthday.
Why do names have dates?
The tradition has historical roots in Christian calendars of saints and feast days, though modern practice can be cultural and secular. Over time, calendars expanded to include many established names.
Can one name have multiple name days?
Yes. Different calendars may recognize primary and alternate dates. That is why a trustworthy name site should identify its source rather than merge every calendar into one definitive answer.
Szilvia’s name day
Behind the Name lists November 13 for Szilvia in Hungary. See our Szilvia name day guide for more detail.
Useful phrase
Boldog névnapot! means “Happy name day!” in Hungarian.