The Roman Calendar: The Foundation of Month Names
The modern English names for the months are largely derived from the ancient Roman calendar. Originally, the Roman calendar had only ten months, with the year starting in March. Later, January and February were added, making a total of twelve months as we have today. The names we use in English are rooted in Latin, and many are tied to Roman gods, leaders, and numerical order.
Origins of Each Month’s Name
January
January comes from the Latin word “Ianuarius,” named after Janus, the Roman god of doors and beginnings. Janus was depicted with two faces, one looking forward and one backward, symbolizing transitions and the passage from one year to the next.
February
February is named after “Februa,” an ancient Roman festival of purification held at this time of year. The Latin word “februum” means purification, marking February as a month of cleansing and preparation for the coming spring.
March
March derives from “Martius,” named after Mars, the Roman god of war. March was originally the first month in the Roman calendar, fitting as the start of military campaigns after winter. The name reflects the importance of Mars in Roman society.
April
The origin of April is less certain. Some scholars believe it comes from the Latin “aperire,” meaning “to open,” referring to the opening or blossoming of flowers and trees in spring. Others suggest it may be related to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
May
May is named after Maia, an earth goddess of growing plants in Roman mythology. Maia represented growth and fertility, fitting for a month when nature flourishes.
June
June comes from “Iunius,” named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and the well-being of women. Juno was a major deity, and her association with June made it a popular month for weddings.
July
July was originally called “Quintilis,” meaning fifth month, but was later renamed to honor Julius Caesar, who reformed the Roman calendar. The name change reflects the influence of prominent historical figures on our calendar.
August
August was once called “Sextilis,” the sixth month, but it was renamed after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, in recognition of his achievements and power.
September
September’s name comes from the Latin “septem,” meaning seven, as it was the seventh month in the original Roman calendar before January and February were added.
October
October is derived from “octo,” the Latin word for eight. Like September, its name reflects its original position as the eighth month of the year.
November
November takes its name from the Latin “novem,” meaning nine. It was the ninth month in the early Roman calendar.
December
December is named after “decem,” Latin for ten, as it was originally the tenth and final month of the Roman year.
Influence on the English Language
The current English names for the months have changed very little from their Latin origins. As Latin evolved into the Romance languages and influenced Old English, these month names were adopted and slightly modified. For English learners, recognizing Latin roots can help with vocabulary building and understanding other English words with similar origins.
Why Month Names Matter for English Learners
Knowing the linguistic roots of month names helps learners connect words to their historical and cultural backgrounds. It also highlights how languages borrow from each other, showing that English is a living language that evolves over time. At Talkpal, we believe that understanding these connections makes learning English more engaging and memorable.
Fun Facts and Language Tips
- Some languages, like French and Spanish, also use names derived from Latin, making it easier for learners to recognize similarities across languages.
- Learning the roots of month names can help with spelling and pronunciation, as many English words share these Latin roots.
- Exploring the stories behind words can make memorizing vocabulary more enjoyable and meaningful.
Conclusion
The names of the months in English tell a fascinating story of history, culture, and language evolution. By understanding their linguistic roots, English learners gain insight into the richness of the language and its global influences. If you’re passionate about discovering more language stories and tips, keep following the Talkpal blog for more insights that make language learning fun and effective.
