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". |