Our Months and Their Origins

Written by: Sitara Nair

Happy New Year! 2026 just started and we are back at the beginning of the year in January. However, have you ever wondered why we call this month January? Or why we call February, February? Well it’s all rooted in history, and let's learn about the backstory to every month’s name!

January

January was named after the Roman two-faced god Janus, known as the god of transitions, beginnings, a perfect start for our new year. This god is typically depicted with two faces looking forward and back, and was added to the calendar along with February by King Numa Pompilius to the Roman Calendar. Julius Caesar’s 46 BCE calendar reform solidified Jan 1 as the official New Year, which is why we still celebrate today!

February

The name for February comes from februum, a Latin word meaning "purification," tied to rituals held mid-month. This month is historically significant for Roman purification festivals, and around 450 BC it became the official second month of the Gregorian calendar! It was added with January to the calendar by Numa Pompilius, but was originally added to the end of the calendar as the year started in March.

March

March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war and agriculture. In ancient Rome, March was originally the first month of the year, symbolizing renewal, strength, and action after winter. This timing made sense for military campaigns to begin, as roads became passable again. Many important Roman festivals were also celebrated during this month, reinforcing its significance as a fresh start.

April

The origin of April is debated, but many scholars trace it to the Latin word aperire, meaning “to open.” This reflects the natural world awakening during spring, as flowers bloom and trees regain their leaves. April was associated with fertility and growth in Roman culture, and it was a month dedicated to celebrating nature, life, and renewal after the colder months.

May

May is named after Maia, a Roman goddess associated with growth, fertility, and the earth. She was considered a nurturing deity, and Romans honored her with sacrifices to ensure healthy crops and prosperity. As spring continued to flourish, May became symbolic of abundance, vitality, and the strengthening of life in both nature and agriculture.

June

June is believed to be named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage, childbirth, and women. Because of her association with family and protection, June was considered an especially favorable time for weddings. This belief has carried on through centuries, making June one of the most popular months for marriages even in modern times.

July

July was originally called Quintilis, meaning “fifth month,” when March marked the beginning of the Roman year. It was later renamed to honor Julius Caesar after his assassination, as he was born during this month. Caesar’s influence on the Roman calendar was immense, including the leap year system still used today.

August

August was once known as Sextilis, meaning “sixth month,” but was renamed in honor of Augustus Caesar, Rome’s first emperor. Several major victories and political achievements occurred during this time, making it worthy of recognition. To match the importance of July, August was eventually extended to 31 days, giving it equal prominence in the calendar.

September

September comes from the Latin word septem, meaning “seven.” Although it is now the ninth month, its name reflects its original place in the Roman calendar. September marked the transition from summer to autumn, often associated with harvests and preparation for the colder months ahead, giving it great importance in early agricultural societies.

October

October is derived from octo, the Latin word for “eight.” Despite being the tenth month today, the name remains unchanged from its original Roman position. October was traditionally linked to harvest festivals and agricultural celebrations, as it was a crucial time for gathering crops and preparing food supplies for winter.

November

November comes from novem, meaning “nine” in Latin. In ancient Rome, this month was a quieter time following the harvest season. It allowed people to prepare for winter while honoring various gods through festivals. Even though its numerical name no longer matches its calendar position, it preserves Roman history in everyday language.

December

December is named after decem, the Latin word for “ten.” Though it is now the twelfth month, its name reflects its original place in the Roman calendar. December was a festive time in ancient Rome, featuring celebrations like Saturnalia, which emphasized feasting, gift-giving, and social equality, traditions that still echo in modern holidays.

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