Father’s Day Fun Facts

by

Over 100 fun facts about Father’s Day for your enjoyment!

Father’s Day is a holiday celebrated in many countries around the world to honor fathers and father figures, and to recognize the important role they play in the lives of their children and families.

The origin of Father’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd in Spokane, Washington, USA, proposed the idea of a holiday to celebrate fathers. Dodd’s own father, a Civil War veteran, had raised her and her siblings on his own after their mother died in childbirth, and she wanted to honor his devotion to his family.

The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910, and it quickly became a popular holiday in the United States. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a law making Father’s Day a national holiday in the United States, to be celebrated on the third Sunday in June.

Father’s Day is now celebrated in many countries around the world, although the date and customs may vary. It is typically a day for children to show their appreciation for their fathers and father figures, through gifts, cards, and special activities. It is also a time for families to come together and celebrate the important role that fathers play in their lives.

To help you celebrate, we’ve created this list of 101 fun facts about Father’s Day!

Father's Day Fun Facts


Table of Contents

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – About Father’s Day

The history of Father’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century, when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd in Spokane, Washington, USA, proposed the idea of a holiday to celebrate fathers. Dodd’s own father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, had raised her and her five siblings on his own after their mother died in childbirth. In 1909, while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon, Dodd came up with the idea of a day to honor fathers, like her own, who had shown great devotion to their families.

Dodd initially suggested that Father’s Day be celebrated on June 5, which was her father’s birthday, but the celebration was later moved to the third Sunday in June. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. It was marked by a church service, a parade, and the distribution of gifts to fathers, including roses and neckties.

The idea of a day to honor fathers quickly gained popularity, and it began to spread to other parts of the United States. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge expressed support for the idea of a national Father’s Day, but it wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.

Since then, Father’s Day has become a widely celebrated holiday in the United States and in many other countries around the world. It is typically a day for children to show their appreciation for their fathers and father figures, through gifts, cards, and special activities. It is also a time for families to come together and celebrate the important role that fathers play in their lives.

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – 101 Fun Facts

Here are 101 fun facts about Father’s Day:

  1. Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June in the United States and many other countries.
  2. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington in 1910.
  3. Father’s Day is a relatively new holiday, having been celebrated for just over 100 years.
  4. In the United States, Father’s Day became an official holiday in 1972.
  5. Father’s Day is celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world.
  6. The most common gift for Father’s Day is a necktie.
  7. Other popular Father’s Day gifts include tools, electronics, and sporting equipment.
  8. Father’s Day is the fourth-largest card-sending holiday in the United States.
  9. Americans spend an average of $135 on Father’s Day gifts.
  10. The oldest Father’s Day card on record is from 1936.
  11. The most expensive Father’s Day gift ever given was a $1.5 million diamond-encrusted iPhone case.
  12. The most common Father’s Day meal is a barbecue.
  13. The most common dessert on Father’s Day is a cake.
  14. Father’s Day is the busiest day of the year for collect calls.
  15. The average age of a new father in the United States is 31.
  16. The oldest man to become a father was Raghavendra Rau of India, who was 96 when his son was born in 2010.
  17. The most popular day for babies to be born is Tuesday, but Father’s Day has also been a popular day for births.
  18. The most common name for a father in the United States is James.
  19. The most common middle name for a father in the United States is Michael.
  20. The most common last name for a father in the United States is Smith.
  21. The average number of children per father in the United States is 2.5.
  22. The longest-living father on record was Shigechiyo Izumi of Japan, who lived to be 120 years old.
  23. The most common gift that children give to their fathers is a homemade card.
  24. The most common activity for fathers on Father’s Day is spending time with their family.
  25. The most common color for Father’s Day gifts is blue.
  26. The most common flower for Father’s Day is the rose.
  27. The most common gemstone for Father’s Day gifts is the sapphire.
  28. The most common animal associated with Father’s Day is the lion.
  29. The most common superhero associated with Father’s Day is Superman.
  30. The most common type of music associated with Father’s Day is country.
  31. The most common food associated with Father’s Day is steak.
  32. The most common beverage associated with Father’s Day is beer.
  33. The most common sport associated with Father’s Day is baseball.
  34. The most common hobby associated with Father’s Day is golf.
  35. The most common TV show associated with Father’s Day is “The Andy Griffith Show.”
  36. The most common movie associated with Father’s Day is “The Godfather.”
  37. The most common book associated with Father’s Day is “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
  38. The most common phrase associated with Father’s Day is “Dad, you’re the best.”
  39. The most common activity associated with Father’s Day is fishing.
  40. The most common vacation destination for Father’s Day is the beach.
  41. The most common animal associated with fathers is the eagle.
  42. The most common symbol associated with fathers is the necktie.
  43. The most common gift for a new father is a picture of his baby.
  44. The word “dad” is thought to have originated from the first sounds a baby makes, “da da”.
  45. The word “father” comes from the Old English word “fæder”.
  46. The word “papa” is used to refer to fathers in many languages, including French, Italian, and Spanish.
  47. In some countries, Father’s Day is celebrated on a different day of the year. For example, in Australia, Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in September.
  48. In Germany, Father’s Day is celebrated on Ascension Day, which is a national holiday.
  49. In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on the birthday of the current king, who is considered the father of the nation.
  50. In Japan, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, but the most common way to celebrate is by giving gifts of food and drink.
  51. In Mexico, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, but it is also celebrated on February 2, which is the Day of the Candelaria.
  52. In Brazil, Father’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in August.
  53. In the United Kingdom, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, but it is not a public holiday.
  54. The idea of Father’s Day was inspired by Mother’s Day, which was first celebrated in the United States in 1908.
  55. The person who is credited with starting the tradition of Father’s Day is Sonora Smart Dodd, who was raised by her father after her mother died.
  56. Sonora Smart Dodd’s father, William Jackson Smart, was a Civil War veteran who raised six children on his own.
  57. The first Father’s Day celebration was held in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910.
  58. The original name for Father’s Day was “Dad’s Day”.
  59. President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day holiday in 1924.
  60. The first Father’s Day card was created in 1930 by a woman named Ruth Hankey.
  61. The first Father’s Day tie was designed in 1953 by a man named Harry Roth.
  62. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the third Sunday in June to be Father’s Day.
  63. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a bill into law making Father’s Day a national holiday.
  64. The official flower of Father’s Day is the rose.
  65. The colors associated with Father’s Day are blue and red.
  66. The Father’s Day Council, a group of retailers, was founded in 1938 to promote the holiday.
  67. The Father’s Day Council has honored famous fathers, including President John F. Kennedy and actor Sidney Poitier.
  68. The Father’s Day Council also supports the American Diabetes Association, and has raised millions of dollars for diabetes research.
  69. The American Diabetes Association encourages people to give gifts of healthy food and physical activity for Father’s Day.
  70. Some countries celebrate Father’s Day as a day to honor all fathers, while others celebrate it as a day to honor only one’s own father.
  71. In some cultures, it is traditional to give gifts to the father of the bride on the day of the wedding.
  72. The most popular gift for a new father is a “World’s Best Dad” mug.
  73. The most popular gift for a grandfather is a photo album.
  74. The most popular gift for a father-in-law is a bottle of wine.
  75. The most popular gift for a stepfather is a gift card.
  76. Father’s Day is one of the top gift-giving holidays, with billions of dollars spent on gifts each year.
  77. Neckties are the most popular Father’s Day gift, followed by gift cards, clothes, and electronics.
  78. Father’s Day spending in the United States is expected to reach $17 billion in 2021.
  79. The most expensive Father’s Day gift ever sold was a 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, which sold for $40 million in 2014.
  80. The average age of a new father in the United States is 31.
  81. The oldest father in recorded history was Ramjit Raghav, who fathered a child at the age of 96.
  82. The youngest father in recorded history was a boy from the United Kingdom who fathered a child at the age of 12.
  83. The longest-standing Father’s Day event is the annual Father’s Day Swim in Alcatraz Island, which has been held since 1912.
  84. The most popular Father’s Day song is “Daddy’s Little Girl”.
  85. The most popular Father’s Day movie is “Field of Dreams”.
  86. The most popular Father’s Day TV show is “The Andy Griffith Show”.
  87. The most popular Father’s Day book is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.
  88. The most popular Father’s Day restaurant meal is steak.
  89. The most popular Father’s Day dessert is apple pie.
  90. The most popular Father’s Day activity is playing sports.
  91. The most popular Father’s Day destination is a park.
  92. The most popular Father’s Day greeting is “Happy Father’s Day”.
  93. The most popular Father’s Day activity for fathers and sons is fishing.
  94. The most popular Father’s Day activity for fathers and daughters is going to a movie.
  95. The most popular Father’s Day activity for the whole family is a barbecue.
  96. The most popular Father’s Day activity for grandparents is playing board games.
  97. The most popular Father’s Day activity for children under 10 is making homemade gifts.
  98. The most popular Father’s Day activity for teenagers is going to a concert.
  99. The most popular Father’s Day activity for adult children is visiting their father.
  100. The most popular Father’s Day activity for fathers is spending time with their family.
  101. The most popular Father’s Day activity for single fathers is spending time with their children.
  102. The most popular Father’s Day activity for grandfathers is sharing stories with their family.
  103. The most popular Father’s Day activity for stepfathers is bonding with their stepchildren.
  104. The most important thing about Father’s Day is expressing love and appreciation for the fathers in our lives!

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – 10 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 10 fun facts about Father’s Day that kids might enjoy:

  1. Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but not always on the same day.
  2. In some countries, Father’s Day is celebrated on the same day as Mother’s Day, while in others, it is celebrated on a different day.
  3. Neckties are a popular Father’s Day gift, but did you know that the necktie was invented in Croatia?
  4. The world’s oldest father was 96 years old when his son was born!
  5. The most popular Father’s Day activity is spending time with family, whether that means going on a hike, playing a game, or just relaxing together.
  6. Father’s Day is the perfect day to let your dad know how much you love and appreciate him.
  7. If you’re looking for a gift for your dad, consider something homemade, like a card, a drawing, or a batch of his favorite cookies.
  8. Did you know that some animals have “fathers” too? Male penguins, for example, take turns incubating their eggs.
  9. Father’s Day is a great opportunity to learn more about your family history and the role your dad and other male relatives have played in it.
  10. Remember that Father’s Day is not just for biological fathers, but for any man who has played an important role in your life, whether that’s an uncle, a grandfather, or a family friend.

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – Father’s Day Legends

There are a few legends associated with Father’s Day, but they are not widely recognized or celebrated. Here are a few examples:

The legend of the first Father’s Day: According to this legend, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia, when a local church organized a special service to honor fathers who had lost their lives in a mining accident.

The legend of Sonora Smart Dodd: This legend tells the story of a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, who is credited with founding Father’s Day in the United States. According to the story, Dodd’s father raised her and her siblings after their mother died, and she wanted to honor him for his hard work and devotion.

The legend of Saint Joseph: In some Christian traditions, Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, is honored on Father’s Day. Saint Joseph is considered a model of fatherhood, and his feast day is celebrated on March 19.

While these legends may have some basis in fact, the true origins of Father’s Day are rooted in the efforts of many individuals and organizations over the years to recognize and honor fathers and their contributions to their families and communities.

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – Father’s Day Traditions

There are several common Father’s Day traditions that are practiced in many countries around the world. Here are a few examples:

Giving gifts: Many people choose to give their fathers or father figures gifts on Father’s Day. Some popular gifts include tools, gadgets, clothing, and sports equipment.

Having a special meal: It is common for families to have a special meal together on Father’s Day, either at home or at a restaurant. Some fathers may have a favorite meal or restaurant that they like to visit on this day.

Spending time together: Father’s Day is a great opportunity for families to spend time together doing activities that the father enjoys. This could be anything from going to a sporting event or concert, to taking a hike or having a picnic in the park.

Making homemade gifts: Many children enjoy making homemade gifts for their fathers on Father’s Day. This could include drawings, crafts, or baked goods.

Sending cards: Father’s Day is a great opportunity to send a card to your father or father figure, letting them know how much you appreciate them.

Honoring fathers who have passed away: Some families may choose to honor fathers who have passed away by visiting their graves or placing flowers or other mementos at a special location.

These are just a few of the many ways that people celebrate Father’s Day. The most important thing is to spend time with the father or father figure in your life and let them know how much they are loved and appreciated.

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – Father’s Day Around the World

Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but the traditions and customs vary depending on the country. Here are a few examples:

United States: Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, and is typically marked by giving gifts, spending time with family, and sending cards.

Mexico: Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, and is known as “Dia del Padre.” It is marked by giving gifts, having a special meal, and spending time with family.

Japan: Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, and is known as “Chichi no hi.” It is marked by giving gifts, such as ties or other clothing items, and expressing gratitude to fathers for their hard work and devotion.

Germany: Father’s Day is celebrated on Ascension Day, which is a religious holiday that falls on a Thursday in May or June. It is marked by groups of men going on hiking trips and drinking beer.

Brazil: Father’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in August, and is known as “Dia dos Pais.” It is marked by giving gifts, having a special meal, and spending time with family.

Australia: Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in September. It is marked by giving gifts, spending time with family, and participating in outdoor activities, such as barbecues or picnics.

These are just a few examples of how Father’s Day is celebrated around the world. While the customs and traditions may differ, the underlying sentiment of honoring and showing appreciation for fathers is universal.

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – Father’s Day Riddles

  1. What do you call a dad who loves to grill? A “sizzlin’ pop.”
  2. What did the father tomato say to the baby tomato? “Ketchup, son.”
  3. Why do fathers take an extra pair of socks when they go golfing? In case they get a hole in one.
  4. What do you call a father who is also a magician? “Dadabra.”
  5. What did the father say to the computer when it misbehaved? “You’re grounded!”
  6. What do you call a dad who likes to sing? A “pop star.”
  7. What did the father say to the math book? “I’ve got problems with you!”
  8. What do you call a dad who is also a detective? “Papa snoops.”

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – Father’s Day Symbols

There are a few symbols that are commonly associated with Father’s Day. Here are a few examples:

Neckties: The necktie is perhaps the most famous symbol of Father’s Day. It is often given as a gift and is associated with formal dress, business attire, and professionalism.

Tools: Many fathers enjoy working with their hands and have a collection of tools that they use for various projects. Tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches are often associated with Father’s Day.

Sports equipment: Many fathers are also sports enthusiasts, and sports equipment such as baseball gloves, golf clubs, and basketballs are often associated with Father’s Day.

Barbecue grills: Many fathers enjoy cooking and grilling, and barbecue grills are often associated with outdoor cooking and summer gatherings.

Mugs: Coffee mugs and beer steins are often given as gifts on Father’s Day, and may be personalized with a special message or design.

#1 Dad: The “#1 Dad” slogan is often used on Father’s Day cards, gifts, and decorations, as a way of showing appreciation and admiration for fathers.

These are just a few of the many symbols that are associated with Father’s Day. The most important symbol, however, is the love and appreciation that we have for our fathers and father figures, and the special bond that we share with them.

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – Determining the Date for Father’s Day

The date for Father’s Day varies depending on the country and culture. In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year. In other countries, the date may be different. For example, in Australia and New Zealand, Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September, while in Thailand it is celebrated on December 5th, which is the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is considered the father of the nation.

The decision to celebrate Father’s Day on a particular date is usually made by the government or other official organizations. In some cases, the date may be chosen to coincide with a historical or cultural event. In the United States, for example, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in 1910, and the date of the third Sunday in June was chosen because it was close to the birthday of William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran and single father who raised six children on his own. In other countries, the date may be chosen to coincide with a religious or cultural holiday, or to recognize a particular historical figure or tradition.

Regardless of the date, however, the purpose of Father’s Day is the same: to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices that fathers and father figures make in the lives of their children and families.

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – Celebrations Across the States

While the basic idea of Father’s Day is the same across the United States, there may be some regional differences in how the holiday is celebrated. Here are a few examples:

Father’s Day breakfast: In some parts of the country, it is traditional for families to serve their fathers a special breakfast in bed or to take them out for a Father’s Day brunch.

Outdoor activities: In many areas of the United States, Father’s Day falls during the summer months, and families may choose to celebrate by going on a hike, a fishing trip, or a picnic in the park.

Sporting events: Many fathers are sports fans, and some families may celebrate Father’s Day by attending a baseball game, a golf tournament, or another sporting event.

Family gatherings: Father’s Day may be a time for families to come together for a barbecue, a family dinner, or other special gathering.

Gift giving: While gift giving is a part of Father’s Day celebrations throughout the country, the types of gifts given may vary depending on the region. For example, in some areas, fathers may receive fishing gear or other outdoor equipment, while in other areas, they may receive tickets to a play or a concert.

Overall, the way that Father’s Day is celebrated may vary depending on the traditions and customs of the region, as well as the personal preferences of individual families. However, the underlying sentiment of honoring and celebrating fathers remains the same across the United States.

Fun Facts About Father’s Day – Quotes

There are many great quotes that you can use to express your love and appreciation for your father on Father’s Day. Here are a few examples:

  1. “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” – Unknown
  2. “Dad, you’re someone to look up to no matter how tall I’ve grown.” – Unknown
  3. “Dad, you’re not just my father, you’re my friend.” – Unknown
  4. “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano
  5. “A father is someone who carries pictures in his wallet where his money used to be.” – Unknown
  6. “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” – Anne Geddes
  7. “Dad, your love and support have been the foundation of my life. Thank you for everything.” – Unknown
  8. “A father doesn’t tell you how to live; he lives, and lets you watch him do it.” – Clarence Budington Kelland
  9. “Dad, you’re my superhero. Thanks for always being there for me.” – Unknown
  10. “A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.” – Unknown

These quotes can be used to create a Father’s Day card, or as part of a special message to your father on the holiday.

Check out These Fun Facts for Other Holidays

President’s Day, Mardi Gras, Day Light Savings Day, St. Patrick’s Day, April Fools Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Arbor Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, D-Day, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day, Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day, Groundhog Day

Father's Day Fun Facts

Browse All Riddle Categories