Origin of calendar months

Origin of The Names of Months


January
Named after the Roman god of beginnings and endings Janus (the month Januarius).

February
The name comes either from the old-Italian god Februus or else from februa.

March
This is the first month of the Roman year. It is named after the Roman god of war, Mars.

April
Aprilis, from aperire, "to open". The month in which the buds begin to open.

May
The third month of the Roman calendar. The name probably comes from Maiesta.

June
The fourth month was named in honor of Juno.

July
The month Julius Caesar was born, named Julius in his honor in 44 BCE.

August
Originally was called Sextilis, was later changed to honor Roman emperors, Augustus.

September
The name comes from septem, "seven".

October
The name comes from octo, "eight"

November
The name comes from novem, "nine".

December
The name comes from decem, "ten".