We’re celebrating National Lydia Day this April 18. Depending on the sound and name meaning you are looking for, Lydia is an appealing option. The name’s ancient Greco-Roman and Biblical background give it a touch of old-world history and charm. Characters like Lydia Fox from the cartoon “Arthur,” Lydia Dracula from “Hotel Transylvania,” and Lydia Hillard from the Robin Williams classic “Mrs. Doubtfire” popularized the name that is still widely used today. Although it arrived in the 1700s, Lydia has been a consistent choice for a girl’s name throughout the 2010s, a testament to its timeless quality.
History of National Lydia Day
Lydia is a feminine first name derived from the Greek ‘Ludia,’ meaning ‘beautiful one’ or ‘noble one.’ It’s also a Biblical name and a reference to Lydia of ‘Thyatira,’ a merchant in the city of Thyatira and a character in the New Testament’s “Acts of the Apostles.” Lydia was the first European convert of Saint Paul. She housed Paul and Silas when they got released from prison. After Lydia and her family were baptized, Paul and his associates established the church in Philippi. Having played such a role, she is part of the fabric of Christian feminist theology.
We have Lydia Baxter to thank for many popular Sunday school hymns, such as “The Gate Ajar For Me,” written three years before her death in 1874. Despite being bedridden and the victim of severe pain due to disability, Baxter dedicated her life to composing hymns for the Baptist Church, which she joined shortly after marrying her husband, John C. Baxter.
Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak, also known as ‘Lilya,’ was a Soviet fighter pilot during World War II. She flew 66 combat missions and had between five and 12 solo victories. Litvyak was the first female pilot to shoot down enemy planes and the first of two female pilots to earn the rank of fighter ace. Litvyak holds the record for the most significant number of kills by any female fighter pilot. She met her end when German air units killed her in action near Orel in the Battle of Kursk. Litvyak was 21 years old.
National Lydia Day timeline
Lydia of Thyatira becomes the first European to convert to Christianity.
Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak joins the all-female 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Soviet Air Defense Force.
American, Lydia Estes Pinkham develops a vegetable compound to soothe menstruation symptoms; a product still sold today with near-identical ingredients.
Lydia Jacoby wins gold in the 100-meter breaststroke and silver in the 4x100 meter relay at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
National Lydia Day FAQs
What is a nickname for Lydia?
Nicknames for Lydia are Liddy, Lids, and Lidi.
Is Lydia a rare name?
One out of every 633 baby girls and one out of every 366,286 baby boys born in 2020 were named Lydia, making it a rare name.
What is the Biblical meaning of Lydia?
The Biblical meaning of Lydia is ‘a standing pool.’
National Lydia Day Activities
Read about Lydia of Thyatira
Known as ‘The Woman of Purple,’ Lydia appears in Greek and Biblical history. Many Christian denominations recognize Lydia as a Saint.
Watch “Teen Wolf”
The supernatural teen drama “Teen Wolf” is a popular television series. Its lead character is named Lydia Martin.
Check out “Love for Lydia”
“Love for Lydia” was a British serial drama based on a novel of the same name. It covers the story of Lydia Aspen, a wealthy heiress in the pre-Depression era.
5 Awesome Facts About Lydia
Lydia was a place
Lydia was a place in Anatolia which is modern-day Turkey.
The accomplished fencer
Lydia Hatuel-Czuckermann, an accomplished Israeli fencer, started her career at the tender age of eight.
The history of stardom
Reality show star Lydia Hearst is the great-granddaughter of politician and newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst and the daughter of actress Patty Hearst.
The youngest world’s number one
Lydia Ko, a Korean-born New Zealand golfer, became the youngest person of either gender to attain world number one status at age 17.
A spy in America
It sounds like a Hollywood movie script, but in the 1920s and 1930s, Lydia Stahl worked for the Soviet military intelligence in New York and Paris.
Why We Love National Lydia Day
It has a great sense of antiquity
Greek names carry an air of ancient history and class around them. It gives the title a bit more gravitas.
It’s a literary favorite
The name features prominently in literature. A perfect example is Lydia Bennett from “Pride and Prejudice.”
It rolls off the tongue
When you say it, Lydia simply rolls off your tongue. If anything, choose this name for its melodic sound.
National Lydia Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | April 18 | Friday |
2026 | April 18 | Saturday |
2027 | April 18 | Sunday |
2028 | April 18 | Tuesday |
2029 | April 18 | Wednesday |