SVCS
Name Day

Name Day for Sava

Everything about the date, name variants, and traditions

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December

Name day for Сава - St. Sabbas

Celebrating names:

СаваСавкаСавоСавчо
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About the name Sava

Etymology & meaning

Sava comes from the Aramaic "saba" — "elder, sage". In Bulgarian the name is masculine, with the pet form Savo and the surname Savov.

History & patron saint

Saint Sabbas the Sanctified (5th–6th century) founded the Great Lavra near Jerusalem and the Jerusalem liturgical typikon Orthodoxy still follows. His memory on 5 December is the middle day of the Varvara–Sava–Nikola run.

Traditions & customs

By the saying, on Sava's day "the baking is done" — the ritual bread for the coming Nikulden. Celebrants treat modestly; many homes keep the three December days as one whole.

Popularity & notable bearers

Sava is rare but ancient and weighty, alive mainly through Revival memory (Sava Filaretov) and the surname Savov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the name day for Sava?

The name day for Sava is on 5 December.

Which names celebrate on 5 December?

On 5 December, name day is celebrated by those named Sava and related Bulgarian name variants (4 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 Sava mean?

Sava comes from the Aramaic "saba" — "elder, sage". In Bulgarian the name is masculine, with the pet form Savo and the surname Savov.

How popular is Sava in Bulgaria?

Sava is rare but ancient and weighty, alive mainly through Revival memory (Sava Filaretov) and the surname Savov.

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