Origin of month names
Only a few names of the month were derived from Roman deities. Most simply came from the numbers of the months or -- in two cases -- in honor of Roman emperors.
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, signifying the festivals of purification
celebrated in Rome during this month.
March
This is the first month of the Roman year. It is named
after the Roman god of war, Mars.
April
Called Aprilis, from aperire, "to open". Possible because it is the month in which the buds begin to open.
May
The third month of the Roman calendar. The name probably comes from
Maiesta, the Roman
goddess of honor and reverence.
June
The fourth month was named in honor of Juno.
However, the name might also come from iuniores (young men;
juniors) as opposed to maiores (grown men; majors) for May, the two
months being dedicated to young and old men.
July
It was the month in which Julius Ceasar was born, and named Julius
in his honor in 44 BCE, the year of his assasination. Also
called Quintilis (fifth month).
August
Originally this month was called Sextilis (from sextus,
"six"), but the name was later changed in honor of the first of
the Roman emperors, Augustus (because several fortunate events of
his life occured during this month).
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".
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