January (Januarius), named after Janus, a Roman two-faced god, one face looking into the past,
the other into the future.
February (Februarium) is from the Latin word Februare, meaning "to cleanse." At the time of
year corresponding to our February, the Romans performed religious rites to purge themselves
of sin.
March (Martius) is named in honor of Mars, the god of war. March was the original beginning
of the year, and the time for the resumption of war.
April (Aprilis), after the Latin word Aperio, meaning "to open," because plants begin to grow
in this month.
May (Maius), after the Roman goddess Maia, as well as from the Latin word Maiores meaning
"elders," who were celebrated during this month.
June (Junius), after the goddess Juno and Latin word iuniores, meaning "young people."
July (Iulius) was, at fi rst, known as Quintilis from the Latin word meaning fi ve, since it was
the fi fth month in the early Roman calendar. Its name was changed to July, in honor of Julius
Caesar.
August (Augustus) is named in honor of the Emperor Octavian, fi rst Roman emperor, known as
Augustus Caesar.
September (September) was once the seventh month and accordingly took its name from
septem, meaning "seven."
October (October) takes its name from octo (eight); at one time it was the eighth month.
November (November) from novem, meaning "nine," once the ninth month of the early Roman
calendar.
December (December) from decem, meaning "ten," once the tenth month of the early Roman
calendar.