Exploring the English language, we often find ourselves drawn to the rich tapestry of words and their origins. Among these, the names of the months hold a special place, revealing a blend of Roman, Greek, and other historical influences. Let’s delve into the fascinating history and meanings behind each month’s name in the English calendar.
January
January ushers in the New Year with a name derived from the Roman god Janus, who was known as the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. In Latin, “Ianuarius” means “of or pertaining to Janus,” reflecting the idea of new beginnings that this month symbolizes.
February
February’s name has its roots in the Latin word “Februa,” which is a shortened form of “Februario,” meaning “month of purification.” This month was traditionally associated with the Roman festival of Februa, a purification ritual held to cleanse the gods and the people of sins and errors from the previous year.
March
March gets its name from the Latin word “Martius,” named after Mars, the Roman god of war. Mars was also associated with the springtime, as the month was when the Roman legions would march to war. This association with the start of the campaigning season survives in the word “march,” which still refers to the beginning of military campaigns.
April
April’s name comes from the Latin word “Aprilis,” which is derived from the verb “aperire,” meaning “to open.” This is a reference to the opening of buds on trees and the arrival of spring. In some languages, the name even reflects the blooming of the wild garlic, known as “aphrodite” in Greek, leading to the name “Aprilis” from “aphrodite.”
May
May’s name is believed to be derived from the Greek goddess Maia, the mother of Hermes and the goddess of fertility. The month was dedicated to her, and her name was adopted to honor the month of fertility and growth.
June
June takes its name from the Latin word “Iunius,” named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. This connection is fitting, as June is often associated with weddings and the height of summer.
July
July was originally named after the Roman general Julius Caesar, who was born in this month. In Latin, the month was known as “Julius,” and later became “July” in English. This renaming was part of a calendar reform in 44 BCE in his honor.
August
August was also named after a Roman emperor, but this time it was Augustus Caesar. The month was renamed in 8 BCE to honor him. The Latin name was “Augustus,” which means “honorable” or “venerable.”
September
September’s name is derived from the Latin word “septem,” meaning “seven.” It is simply the seventh month in the Roman calendar, which was a lunar calendar based on the phases of the moon.
October
October’s name comes from the Latin word “octo,” which means “eight.” Like September, it is another month that simply follows in sequence in the Roman calendar.
November
November’s name has its roots in the Latin word “novem,” meaning “nine.” This is the ninth month of the Roman calendar.
December
December’s name comes from the Latin word “decem,” meaning “ten.” It is the tenth month of the Roman calendar, which is also the final month of the year.
Each month’s name carries with it a story of history and cultural significance, reflecting the rich tapestry of human history and the languages that have shaped it. Understanding the origins of these names can add a layer of depth to our appreciation of the English language and the calendar that organizes our lives.