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Month Origins

Month Derivation Comments
January
Janus
The Roman god of gates and doors
February
februa
Latin word signifying the festivals of purification
March
Mars
The god of war
April
aperire
"to open"
May
Maia
The goddess Maia, daughter of Atlas and mother of Mercury
June
Juno
Roman goddess of marriage
July
Julius
The month in which Julius Caesar was born
August
Augustus
Roman Emperor
September
septem
Latin for seven. The seventh month of the Roman calendar.
October
octo
Latin for eight. The eighth month of the Roman calendar.
November
novem
Latin for nine. The ninth month of the Roman calendar.
December
decem
Latin for ten. The tenth month of the Roman calendar.

Note: The primitive Roman year actually began in March.