The standard name day wish is “Χρόνια πολλά!” (Chronia polla, “many years”). It is often followed by “Να τα εκατοστήσεις!” (Na ta ekatostiseis, “may you reach a hundred”) or “Ό,τι επιθυμείς!” (Oti epithymeis, “whatever you wish for”). In the plural or more formally, Greeks say “Χρόνια σας πολλά!”.
The person celebrating usually replies with a simple “Ευχαριστώ!” (Efcharisto, “thank you”) or “Να 'σαι καλά!” (Na 'sai kala, “be well”).
The customs
- Friends and relatives call or send a message from early in the morning.
- Many people keep an “open house”: anyone may drop by to wish them well without an invitation, and the host offers sweets, drinks or food.
- At work or school, the person celebrating often brings sweets or buys everyone a coffee.
- Gifts are usually small — flowers, sweets or a bottle of wine — and mostly come from those closest to them.
Not sure when someone celebrates? Look their name up in the list of names or see whose name day it is today.