From Gods to Caesars: How Our Months Got Their Names

Aug 18,2025

Named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, who had two faces looking forward and backward. It marks the start of the year.

January

From the Latin Februa, a Roman festival of purification. It was a month of cleansing and preparing for spring.

February

Named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, it was the first month of the year when the military campaigning season began.

March

Likely from Latin aperire meaning “to open,” symbolizing the opening of buds and flowers in spring. Some also link it to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

April

Named after Maia, a Roman goddess of growth and fertility, fitting as this month is tied to flourishing nature.

May

Named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and queen of the gods. Considered an auspicious month for weddings.

June

Originally called Quintilis (the fifth month in the old Roman calendar). Renamed in honor of Julius Caesar after his death in 44 BCE.

July

Originally Sextilis (the sixth month). Renamed after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, to honor his victories.

August

From Latin septem, meaning “seven.” It was the seventh month in the old Roman calendar.

September

From Latin octo, meaning “eight.” It was the eighth month in the old Roman calendar.

October

From Latin novem, meaning “nine.” It was the ninth month in the old calendar.

November

From Latin decem, meaning “ten.” It was the tenth month before January and February were added.

December