About the name Stiliyan
Etymology & meaning
Stiliyan comes from the Greek στῦλος — "pillar" — after the stylites, ascetics who lived atop columns. Bulgarian keeps Stiliyan, Stiliyana and the short Stela, whose Latin sense of "star" has fused with the name.
History & patron saint
Saint Stylianos of Paphlagonia is the protector of children and mothers — iconography shows him holding a swaddled infant. On his memory, 26 November, mothers light candles for their children's health.
Traditions & customs
On Stiliyanovden celebrants are congratulated and prayers said for children's health; maternity wards often mark the day symbolically. The greeting is "health to your children".
Popularity & notable bearers
Stiliyan is moderately common and clearly rising of late; Stela holds its own steady line among girls.