Hi bizi. The origin of name days is from saints days (e.g. St. Patrick's day/St. Valentine's day). Some countries, like my husband's country, recognize these days for everyone in the country. Every day of the year has common names associated with them (female and male). Not all names are of saints for name days.

Usually people in such countries see the names on the calendar. Either name day wishes or sometimes small gifts are given, but not to the degree of birthdays, which are also celebrated.