How Did the Months Get Their Names?

1. January

Meaning: Dedicated to Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, duality, and endings.

Origin: Janus is traditionally depicted with two faces one looking back into the past and the other forward into the future. This makes him a fitting namesake for the first month, which bridges the old year and the new.

2. February

Meaning: Derived from februa, meaning “the instruments of purification” or “expiatory offerings.”

Origin: In the ancient Roman calendar, February was a period of ritual cleansing, purification, and atonement. The festival Februa took place on February 15, helping prepare the community for spring and agricultural renewal.

3. March

Meaning: Named after Mars, the Roman god of war.

Origin: March was originally the first month of the Roman calendar year. With winter over, it marked the traditional time to resume military campaigns and agricultural work, both of which were under the protection of Mars.

4. April

Meaning: Likely derived from the Latin verb aperire, meaning “to open.”

Origin: The name may refer to trees, flowers, and plants opening or budding as spring gets underway across the Northern Hemisphere. Some ancient Roman sources also linked the month to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

5. May

Meaning: Named after Maia, an ancient Roman Earth goddess of spring, growth, and fertility.

Origin: Maia was associated with the nurturing of plants and closely connected with Mercury, whose mother she was. The month celebrated the height of spring and agricultural fertility.

6. June

Meaning: Named after Juno, queen of the Roman gods, goddess of marriage, and protector of women.

Origin: Juno was the wife of Jupiter. June was considered the most auspicious month of the year for weddings and marriage, a tradition that continues to this day.

7. July

Meaning: Named in honor of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE.

Origin: Originally called Quintilis, meaning “fifth month” in the old ten-month Roman calendar, it was renamed Iulius by the Roman Senate after Julius Caesar’s assassination, because it was the month of his birth.

8. August

Meaning: Named in honor of Augustus Caesar, originally named Octavian, the first Roman emperor, in 8 BCE.

Origin: Originally called Sextilis, meaning “sixth month,” it was renamed Augustus by the Roman Senate to honor his military victories, his rise to power, and the many fortunate events in his life that took place during this month.

9. September

Meaning: From the Latin word septem, meaning “seven.”

Origin: In the original ten-month Roman calendar attributed to Romulus, September was the seventh month of the year. Its name remained unchanged even after January and February were added.

10. October

Meaning: From the Latin word octo, meaning “eight.”

Origin: October was the eighth month in the original Roman calendar, before it was restructured into a twelve-month year.

11. November

Meaning: From the Latin word novem, meaning “nine.”

Origin: November served as the ninth month of the year in the ancient ten-month Roman calendar.

12. December

Meaning: From the Latin word decem, meaning “ten.”

Origin: December was the tenth and final month of the original Roman calendar, before January and February were officially added to winter.

The Mythological Figures Behind the Names

Janus, Mars, Maia, Juno, and Jupiter are deities from ancient Roman mythology. Maia is also linked to Greek mythology, while Aphrodite comes from Greek mythology.

In ancient Roman polytheistic religion, these deities were believed to preside over specific aspects of life, nature, war, and the heavens:

• Janus: Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, and time.
• Mars: Roman god of war and agricultural guardian.
• Maia: Roman and Greek goddess associated with spring, growth, and fertility. In Greek mythology, Maia was the mother of Hermes.
• Juno: Roman queen of the gods, and goddess of marriage and childbirth.
• Jupiter: King of the Roman gods, associated with the sky, thunder, and the protection of the Roman state.
• Aphrodite: Greek goddess of love, beauty, and passion.