Understanding the Origins of Month Names

Have you ever wondered about the names of the months? The origins of these names can be traced back to the ancient Romans.

Roman Calendar and Month Origins

Many of the month names have roots in Latin:

• September: Derived from “septem,” meaning seven.
• October: Derived from “octo,” meaning eight.
• November: Derived from “novem,” meaning nine.
• December: Derived from “decem,” meaning ten.

This numbering system might seem confusing because September is the ninth month and October is the tenth in our current calendar. However, the Roman year originally began in March, not January. Therefore, September was the seventh month, October the eighth, and so on.

Months Named After Deities and Emperors

Several months are named after Roman gods and goddesses:

• January: Named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions.
• March: Named after Mars, the Roman god of war.
• May: Named after Maia, a Roman goddess.
• June: Named after Juno, a Roman goddess.

Two months are named in honor of Roman emperors:

• July: Named after Julius Caesar.
• August: Named after Augustus Caesar.

Months with Specific Meanings

Other months have names that reflect their characteristics:

• February: Derived from " februare," meaning to purify or cleanse.
• April: Derived from “aprire,” meaning to open. This name is fitting as April is a time when flowers begin to open their buds.