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- Fun
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- Appreciation
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- International
- Date change rule:
- Every January 23
- Holiday emoji:
- 👑
National King Day arrives every January 23, inviting us to celebrate the powerful connotations of the name ‘King’ and the concept of royalty. Honor those in your life who embody leadership and strength, or simply appreciate the historical and cultural significance of kingship. Discover creative ways to acknowledge this unique day, from personal tributes to themed celebrations.
Want to sponsor National King Day? Learn how
Expected National King Day Deals
While specific National King Day promotions are rare, expect retailers to offer deals on personalized items for those named King, or on products with a regal theme. Look for discounts on crowns, scepters, and royalty-inspired apparel from costume shops and online retailers like Party City or Amazon. Gourmet food stores such as Harry & David might feature ‘royal’ treats, while bakeries like Magnolia Bakery could offer king cake variations. Keep an eye on brands like Burger King for potential themed specials or limited-time offers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 23 approaches.
Platform Guide for National King Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalKingDay. Share photos of your favorite royal-themed items, or give a shout-out to someone you know named King.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalKingDay. Create short videos showcasing your best ‘royal wave’ or a fun fact about historical kings.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalKingDay. Tweet about your favorite fictional king or share a quote about leadership and royalty.
National King Day Hero
King Arthur
History of National King Day
The English word ‘king’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘cyning,’ which comes from the Common Germanic word ‘kuningaz.’ The English phrase translates to and is considered equivalent to the Latin ‘rex’ and its many European language equivalents. The term ‘king’ is of Germanic origin and historically relates to Germanic kingship, which was a sort of tribal kingship in the pre-Christian period.
By the 8th century in Western Europe, the Frankish kingdom had evolved into the Carolingian Empire, and the kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England had merged into the kingdom of England by the tenth century. Following the disintegration of the Carolingian Empire in the 9th century, feudalism established a pyramid of ties between liege lords and vassals, with kings at the top. The European kingdoms had a general tendency toward power centralization during the European Middle Ages. By the Late Middle Ages, Europe had several powerful kingdoms.
Following the Norman conquest of southern Italy, the kingdom of Sicily was created in southern Europe. In 1324, the Crown of Aragon claimed the Kingdom of Sardinia as a separate title. The Kingdom of Serbia was founded in 1217 in the Balkans. The first known king was King Sargon of Akkad, who, according to legend, was destined to rule. He founded the world’s first empire in Mesopotamia in 2330 B.C., more than 4,000 years ago. When translated, his name meant “true king.”
National King Day timeline
The first known king, King Sargon of Akkad, founds the world's first empire in Mesopotamia.
Kingship is made constitutional in England and in other countries afterward.
Alfonso XIII, a Spanish king, hastens his own fall by Second Republic supporters.
King, an American Baptist clergyman and activist, is born on January 15.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National King Day
Local businesses can embrace National King Day by offering themed specials or recognizing customers named King. Restaurants could introduce a ‘King’s Feast’ menu item or offer a discount to anyone with the surname King. Retailers might curate a ‘Royal Collection’ of products or host a fun ‘Crown Decorating’ event. Service businesses could highlight their ‘king-level’ customer service or run a social media campaign celebrating local leaders who embody kingly qualities.
National King Day FAQs
When is National King Day?
In 2027, National King Day will be observed on Saturday, January 23. This mid-January date provides a perfect weekend opportunity for celebration and reflection on leadership.
How common is the surname King in the United States?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, ‘King’ is a prominent surname, reflecting a rich history and diverse lineage. Its ubiquity makes National King Day a broadly relatable observance for many families.
Which countries currently have a reigning monarch?
Monarchies continue to exist in various forms globally, from constitutional monarchies where the monarch serves as a ceremonial head of state to absolute monarchies. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Malaysia are also among those with active royal families.
What are the historical origins of the title 'King'?
Historically, the concept of a king evolved from tribal chieftains to hereditary monarchs, often seen as divinely appointed rulers. The title signifies sovereignty and supreme authority, with its meaning and role adapting across different cultures and eras.
National King Day Activities
Treat yourself to dinner
You don't have to wait for your pals to buy you supper and drinks to celebrate your birthday. That is something you can do for yourself.
Make beaded jewelry
Make some beaded jewelry and see what you can come up with. Make some fancy jewelry for yourself by purchasing beads with letters that spell out your name.
Make yourself a crown
Your name literally means royalty so why not dress the part? Make yourself a crown or buy yourself one. It doesn’t matter as long as a crown is involved.
5 Interesting Facts About Kings
The King of Thailand
The current Thai king's first name is about 179 characters.
King Richard I
After his death, King Richard I was shot and his heart was interred separately from the rest of his body.
Your majesty
King Henry VIII was the first monarch in England to be addressed as ‘Your Majesty.’
High-end textiles
King Louis XIV was known for his fashion sense, and he helped to establish France as a prominent producer of high-end textiles.
A polar bear pet
In 1252, King Haakon IV of Norway presented King Henry III with a white bear.
Why We Love National King Day
Names shape our identity
The name we were given by our parents could be the most significant thing we own. It distinguishes us from others and molds our personalities and uniqueness.
Names garner attention
The sound of your name being called usually drowns out any noise. You've been trained to respond to the sound of your name since birth. It is a person's most important link to their own identity.
Names help form relationships
Names are significant in new relationships because they relate to a person's identity and personality. People are more likely to feel linked when they share a name.
National King Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 23 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 23 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 23 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | January 23 | Wednesday |
| 2031 | January 23 | Thursday |
Social Media Tips for National King Day
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