Illia's name day is celebrated on 20 July under the Revised Julian calendar (2 August before 2023), the feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah. The name comes from the Hebrew "Eliyahu", meaning "my God is the Lord". In folk tradition the prophet was the master of thunder and rain, and his day marked the turn of summer: after Elijah's Day, they say, the water grows colder. Below are name day wishes for Illia — for a husband, son, dad, friend or colleague — plus poems and gift ideas.
Happy name day, Illia! May the holy prophet protect you and fate be generous.
Happy name day! Strength, courage and luck in everything you do.
May your life be as bright as a summer storm and as warm as the July sun. Happy name day!
Illia, good health, loyal friends and family warmth!
For a husband, son or dad
My love, happy name day! You are my rock and my protector. May Saint Elijah always keep you safe.
Son, may your heavenly patron give you strength and wisdom at every step.
Dad, happy name day! Thank you for your care and for showing what a real man is.
For a friend or colleague
Illia, my friend, happy name day! May loyal friends always be near and your plans come true at lightning speed.
Happy name day, colleague! Success at work, a well-deserved reward and a great summer holiday.
May storms pass you by and luck knock at your door every day.
In your own words
Illia, your name means "my God is the Lord", and it carries strength and faith. May that strength help you through every trial and that faith give you peace.
May your life always have room for summer sunshine, evenings with friends and quiet talks with family.
Funny wishes
Happy name day, Illia! May the only thunder be at your parties and the only lightning be the speed of your success.
They say you shouldn't swim after Elijah's Day — so hurry up and dive into this sea of wishes!
Name day poems for Illia
The July sun, the distant thunder, Today is Illia's special day, May joy and luck and every wonder Be with you always on your way.
May the holy prophet guard Your life from sorrow and from harm, May every road be bright, not hard, And every day be safe and warm.
What to give Illia for his name day
A personal icon of the Holy Prophet Elijah, a book or a practical gift suits a man's name day. Flowers are given to men less often, but a restrained field-style bouquet or a sweet set for the table makes a nice addition to your wishes.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.