About the name Spiridon / Spyridon
Etymology & meaning
Spiridon comes from the Greek Σπυρίδων — most often traced to σπυρίς ("woven basket"): "the basket-maker", the humble name of a shepherd saint. The short forms are Spiro and Spirka.
History & patron saint
Saint Spyridon of Trimythous (12 December) was a Cypriot shepherd who became a bishop — a participant at Nicaea where, by tradition, he squeezed a roof tile and fire, water and clay came forth: three elements, one tile — an image of the Trinity. His relics rest on Corfu.
Traditions & customs
In Bulgarian tradition Saint Spyridon patronises the crafts — cobblers, potters, tanners; the old guilds kept his day as their own. Celebrants treat guests at a winter table days before Christmas.
Popularity & notable bearers
Spiridon is an old guild-town name, rare today; the surnames Spiridonov and Spirov keep it, and the churches of old craft quarters bear the saint's name.