About the name Veselin
Etymology & meaning
Veselin is a purely Slavic name from the adjective "vesel" (merry) — a wish-name given so the child grows up joyful and light-hearted. The feminine is Veselina, and the older short form Vesel survives in the registers to this day.
History & patron saint
Slavic wish-names have no saint of their own — by tradition Veselin and Veselina celebrate on Vasilyovden (1 January), at the year's start, together with the Vasil family of names, so that joy may accompany the whole new year.
Traditions & customs
The feast coincides with survakane: children tap celebrants with decorated cornel twigs for health and plenty. The table is the New Year one — banitsa with fortunes baked in, where the wish for a "merry year" rings literal.
Popularity & notable bearers
Veselin is among the steady Bulgarian names of the 20th century, given especially often in the 1950s and 60s. The surname Veselinov is found across the whole country.