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Name Day

Name Day for Gavrail / Gabriel

Everything about the date, name variants, and traditions

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January

Name day for Gavrail, Gavril - Celebrated on January 15th.

Celebrating names:

ГавраилГаврил
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March

Name day for Gabi, Gabriela, Gabriel, Gavrail, Gavril - Celebrated on March 26th.

Celebrating names:

ГабиГабриелаГабриелГавраилГаврил
→ View full holiday page→ Other March holidays
November

Name day for Mihail - Archangel Michael Day

Celebrating names:

МихаилМихоМишоМишаМишкоАнгелАнгелинаАнгелинкаАнгелияГаврилГаврилкаГавроГабриелаРафаилРафаелАрхангел
→ View full holiday page→ Other November holidays

About the name Gavrail / Gabriel

Etymology & meaning

Gavrail comes from the Hebrew Gavriel (גַבְרִיאֵל) — "God is my strength". It is the name of the archangel of the Annunciation; Bulgarian uses the forms Gavril and Gavro, and Gavrilov is a common surname.

History & patron saint

The Holy Archangel Gabriel is the messenger who announced Christ's birth to the Virgin Mary. His principal feast is the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel (26 March), the day after the Annunciation; he is also honoured on Arhangelovden (8 November) with the whole heavenly host.

Traditions & customs

The name day comes the day after the Annunciation — a spring feast whose table traditionally already includes fish. Celebrants treat guests for health, and greetings wish good news all year long.

Popularity & notable bearers

Gavrail and Gavril are rare today but deeply rooted — borne by metropolitans and Revival figures; newer generations prefer the international form Gabriel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the name day for Gavrail / Gabriel?

Gavrail / Gabriel is celebrated on 15 January and 26 March and 8 November.

Which names celebrate on 26 March?

On 26 March, name day is celebrated by those named Gavrail / Gabriel and related Bulgarian name variants (5 names in total).

How is the name day celebrated in Bulgaria?

Name day celebrants traditionally welcome guests at home, receive gifts and congratulations. It is a cherished family occasion throughout Bulgaria.

What does the name Gavrail / Gabriel mean?

Gavrail comes from the Hebrew Gavriel (גַבְרִיאֵל) — "God is my strength". It is the name of the archangel of the Annunciation; Bulgarian uses the forms Gavril and Gavro, and Gavrilov is a common surname.

How popular is Gavrail / Gabriel in Bulgaria?

Gavrail and Gavril are rare today but deeply rooted — borne by metropolitans and Revival figures; newer generations prefer the international form Gabriel.

Names celebrating with Gavrail / Gabriel

MichaelAngelGabrielaRafail / Raphael

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