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Name Day

Name Day for Petka / Parascheva

Everything about the date, name variants, and traditions

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July

Name day for Параскева, Петка - St. Paraskeva

Celebrating names:

ПараскеваПеткаПанчоПанкоПанкаПеткана
→ View full holiday page→ Other July holidays
October

Name day for Petko and Paraskeva

Celebrating names:

ПеткаПараскеваПеткоПетканПетканаПарашкевПарашкева
→ View full holiday page→ Other October holidays

About the name Petka / Parascheva

Etymology & meaning

Petka is the Bulgarian folk form of the Greek Paraskevi — "Friday, preparation". The masculine counterpart is Petko, and Paraskeva is the literary form of the same name.

History & patron saint

Saint Petka of Tarnovo (Paraskeva of Epivates, 11th century) is Bulgaria's most venerated female saint — her relics were brought to Tarnovo by Tsar Ivan Asen II, and her vita was written by Patriarch Evtimiy. Petkovden (14 October) is one of the great autumn feasts.

Traditions & customs

Petkovden closes the farming year — a kurban meal for health is traditional, and many towns keep the day as their fair. Celebrants receive guests over an autumn table — roast, wine and pumpkin banitsa.

Popularity & notable bearers

Petka is rarer as a given name today, but its feast is among the country's most widely kept, and Petko lives on through Revival memory — Petko Slaveykov, Petko Voyvoda.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the name day for Petka / Parascheva?

Petka / Parascheva is celebrated on 26 July and 14 October.

Which names celebrate on 14 October?

On 14 October, name day is celebrated by those named Petka / Parascheva and related Bulgarian name variants (7 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 Petka / Parascheva mean?

Petka is the Bulgarian folk form of the Greek Paraskevi — "Friday, preparation". The masculine counterpart is Petko, and Paraskeva is the literary form of the same name.

How popular is Petka / Parascheva in Bulgaria?

Petka is rarer as a given name today, but its feast is among the country's most widely kept, and Petko lives on through Revival memory — Petko Slaveykov, Petko Voyvoda.

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