About the name Bogomil
Etymology & meaning
Bogomil is an old Bulgarian compound of "Bog" (God) and "mil" (dear) — "dear to God". It is the Slavic counterpart of the Greek Theophilos and is attested in Bulgaria as early as the 10th century.
History & patron saint
Names on the root "Bog" celebrate within the great Epiphany cycle: Bogomil has his own calendar memory in mid-January, and many celebrants also keep Yordanovden itself. The name is among the oldest attested Bulgarian personal names.
Traditions & customs
The feast is a winter, homely one — uninvited guests, a warm table and wishes for God's favour, after the name's own meaning. Some families combine the day with the Epiphany sprinkling for health.
Popularity & notable bearers
Bogomil has survived continuously from the Middle Ages to today — rarer than Bozhidar but stably present; the surname Bogomilov carries it across the country.