Clear your calendar and learn a few fun facts
Which Roman god was the month of March named after?
Published on February 1, 2025
Image: Kyrie kim
A calendar is a system of time measurement based primarily on the seasons of the year. The one we use today is called the Gregorian calendar and is the result of a long process of evolution that began with ancient civilizations. So, when and by whom were the months of the year named? Here’s a hint: The Romans are largely responsible for how we organize time, so it’s not surprising that the current names of the months have much to do with their culture. Join us as we explore the origins of the names of the 12 months of the year!
January
Image: Glen Carrie
January owes its name to Janus (Ianuarius in Latin), the Roman god of doorways, changes, beginnings, and endings. Janus was depicted with two faces—one looking to the past and the other to the future—making him the perfect deity to mark the start of the year.
Janus symbolized not only the passage of time but also transformation and transitions. His association with doors and portals reflected the idea of opening new paths and closing old cycles. In Roman tradition, January was a month dedicated to reflection and preparation for the challenges of the year ahead, a concept that endures to this day.
February
Image: Boris Pavlikovsky
February, the second month of the year, traces its roots to the purification rituals of ancient Rome. During this month, the Romans observed the _Februa_—ceremonies meant to cleanse the city of evil spirits and prepare the community for the new annual cycle. As a result, February’s name comes from the Latin februare, meaning "to purify."
The Romans regarded this month as a time to resolve conflicts, settle debts, and restore order. Thus, the origin of the name February is closely tied to the concepts of healing and renewal.
March
Image: Polina Kovaleva
You probably already know this one—the third month of the year is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, March marked the start of the military campaign season when legions prepared to conquer new territories. The name of this month reflects Mars’ significance in Roman culture—not only as the god of war but also as a protector of agriculture and fertility.
Additionally, Mars was associated with spring and the rebirth of nature. March symbolized the return of life after winter, a time of renewal and vitality. As a result, the meaning of March is linked to both war and rebirth.
April
Image: Bich Tran
The origin of April's name is less clear. However, it is widely believed to come from the Latin aperire, meaning "to open," in reference to the blooming of plants and flowers during this month. Others suggest it derives from Aphrodite, the Greek equivalent of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and fertility.
In any case, April is a month long associated with beauty, spring, rebirth, and fertility. During this time, the Romans held rituals and festivals in honor of Venus to ensure good harvests and prosperity. April’s connection to fertility and the awakening of nature has remained deeply rooted in popular culture ever since.
May
Image: Tara Winstead
May’s origin is uncertain, but it is widely believed to come from the name of Maia, a Roman earth goddess. Maia, one of the Pleiades—the daughters of Atlas—was associated with the flowering of nature and the beginning of the agricultural season.
However, the fifth month of the year is also linked to the elderly, as the Latin word maiores means "ancestors" or "elders." In Roman tradition, May was a time to honor older generations and recognize their wisdom and experience. This dual significance—as a month of fertility and reverence for elders—reflects the cultural and symbolic richness of the Roman calendar.
June
Image: Boris Pavlikovsky
June, the sixth month of the year, is dedicated to Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. Her name is believed to derive from the Latin iuniores, meaning "young," highlighting her influence over both marriage and the younger generation.
Festivities in Juno’s honor during this time of year often included marriage ceremonies and protective rituals for women. Because she was believed to bless marital unions, June was considered an especially auspicious month for weddings. June's association with youth and marriage has left a lasting impression on Western culture, and it is still a popular month for weddings and engagements.
July
Image: Glen Carrie
The Gregorian calendar was not only influenced by mythology but also by key historical figures. For example, July is named after Julius Caesar, one of the most significant political and military leaders of ancient Rome.
July symbolizes Caesar’s power and authority, as he was responsible for implementing the Julian calendar—a system that provided a more accurate solar cycle than its predecessor. This reform was crucial for maintaining a stable calendar and laid the foundation for the later adoption of the Gregorian calendar we use today.
August
Image: Glen Carrie
August was named after another Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Originally called Sextilis, this month was renamed in honor of Augustus to recognize his achievements and his role in consolidating the Roman Empire. Under his rule, Rome reached its greatest expansion and prosperity, which justified its inclusion in the calendar.
However, August was not always as we know it today. Originally consisting of 30 days, an extra day was later added to match the length of July, ensuring that both months named after Roman leaders had equal days.
September
Image: SHVETS production
The months from September to December reflect their positions in the original 10-month Roman calendar. For example, September comes from the Latin septem, meaning "seven."
Today, in the Northern Hemisphere, September marks the beginning of autumn and the return to school. However, in ancient Rome, it was a 29-day month dedicated to the Ludi Romani, the "Roman Games." Over time, some sought to rename it. To give you an idea, Emperor Caligula wanted to rename September Germanicus after his father, a general and politician, although his idea never prospered.
October
Image: Monstera Production
October gets its name from the Latin octo, meaning "eight," because it was the eighth month in the original Roman calendar. Like today, October had 31 days and marked the end of military campaigns that had begun in March. It was also a month under the protection of the god Mars.
As with September, several Roman politicians sought to change October’s name. Wanting to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, Augustus and Julius Caesar, Emperor Domitian didn’t want to be left out. Late in the first century AD, he renamed October Domitianus. Unfortunately, this moniker didn’t survive his death. After several attempts to change it, October’s name finally stuck.
November
Image: Rahul Pandit
You probably know the drill by now. Since November was the ninth month of the old Roman calendar, its name comes from the Latin term novem, meaning "nine."
But did you know what this month was called in Old English? It was named Blōtmōnað, or "blood month," because it was the time when animals were sacrificed and stored for food before winter.
December
Image: Boris Pavlikovsky
Ah, December—the last month of the year, the beginning of winter, and the close of the holiday season. But in Roman times, it was the tenth month of the calendar, and thus named after the Latin word for "ten," decem.
Are you curious about what it was called in Old English? The early Germanic people referred to this period as yuletide, alluding to the ancient pagan holiday they celebrated around the winter solstice, which became an ancestor to Christmas.
