About the name Kiril / Cyril
Etymology & meaning
Kiril derives from the Greek Κύριλλος (Kyrillos), from κύριος — "lord", "master". It is read as "lordly", "belonging to the Lord". In Bulgaria the name is inseparable from the work of the Slavic apostles. Forms include Кирил, Кирчо and Киро, with the feminine Кирилка, Кирка and Кира.
History & patron saint
The patron is Saint Cyril the Philosopher — the scholar from Thessaloniki who, with his brother Methodius, created the Glagolitic alphabet and translated the liturgical books into Slavonic in 862–863. The two brothers were proclaimed Equal-to-the-Apostles and co-patrons of Europe. Their work founded Slavic literacy and made Bulgaria its first and principal home. Their church commemoration falls on 11 May.
Traditions & customs
Beyond the church commemoration, the work of Cyril and Methodius is honoured on 24 May — the Day of Bulgarian Education, Culture and Slavonic Letters, one of the best-loved national holidays. It is marked with processions, songs and school ceremonies across the country. For celebrants the day is a double one: a personal name day and a national holiday at once.
Popularity & notable bearers
Kiril carries high prestige in Bulgaria because of its patron's role in the national culture. It was borne by Bulgarian churchmen and statesmen too, among them Patriarch Kiril, the first patriarch of the restored Bulgarian Patriarchate. The Cyrillic alphabet, which bears his name, is used today by more than 250 million people.
Suitable gifts
A book is the most fitting gift — the day is a feast of letters. Something with a Cyrillic motif, a quality pen, or an icon of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius all suit as well.