Saint Stephen (Ştefan) is celebrated in Romania on December 27, on the third day of Christmas. Almost 460,000 Romanians celebrate their name day today.

The name is more common among men: over 280,000 Romanians are called Ştefan. Some 15,000 others are called Fănel, Fănică, and Fane, which also derive from Stefan.

Most women who celebrate their name day on St. Stephen are called Ştefania (92,200). There are also 21,600 women named Ştefana, and close to 9,000 named Fănica, according to official statistics.

Saint Stephen was one of Christianity’s first martyrs. He was stoned to death in Jerusalem for blasphemy as he told the crown that the recently executed Jesus was sitting next to God.

Saint Andrew’s Day, a Christian celebration with pegan roots

Saint George Day: How many Romanians bear his name?

editor@romania-insider.com