by baby&familyMeaning and Nature
First Names from the Calendar: Month Names and Their Origins
Many parents consider names that refer directly or indirectly to months. This article categorizes the most well-known month names as first names and explains their origins. You will learn which names come from the calendar, what ancient roots lie behind them, and what to keep in mind when pairing them with last names or middle names.
The Historical Roots of Month Names
The names of the months as we know them today largely date back to the ancient Roman calendar. This served as the foundation for the Gregorian calendar used worldwide today. The origin of month names can be broadly divided into three groups:
- Gods and festivals: The first months of the year were named after Roman deities or important festivals. January goes back to Janus, the god of beginnings. March owes its name to the god of war, Mars, May to the earth goddess Maia, and June to the goddess Juno.
- Historical rulers: July and August were later renamed in honor of Roman rulers. July honors Julius Caesar, and August honors Emperor Augustus.
- Numbers: The original Roman calendar began in March and had only ten months. Therefore, the names from September to December simply derive from the Latin numbers for seven (septem), eight (octo), nine (novem), and ten (decem).
In German-speaking countries, the English and French translations of the months (such as April or June) as well as the original Roman forms (such as Julius or August) have primarily established themselves as first names. Direct German month terms like "Januar" or "März" are entirely uncommon as first names and are generally not accepted by German registry offices.
Month Names and Their Name Families
Here you will find an overview of names closely associated with the months of the year, organized by their origin and meaning.
January
The English name for January is occasionally given as a first name in the English-speaking world. Its linguistic root is the Roman god Janus, who in mythology stands for beginnings and endings as well as doors and gates.
Gennaro
An Italian first name that traces directly back to the Latin "Januarius." It literally means "belonging to Janus" and is etymologically closely related to the first month of the year.
April
The English month name is widely established as a first name. The origin of the Latin root word "Aprilis" is not clearly understood. A common interpretation traces the name back to the Latin verb "aperire" (to open), which is often interpreted as the opening of buds in spring. Another documented derivation sees its origin in an Etruscan form of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Therefore, a single definitive meaning cannot be established.
Avril
The French form of April. In German-speaking countries, you should consider the pronunciation, as the "V" and the stress on the second syllable can be unfamiliar to some people.
Abril
The Spanish and Portuguese variant of April. It is given less frequently in German-speaking countries, but is an established spelling in the Romance language area.
May
The English name for the month of May goes back to the Roman earth goddess Maia. At the same time, May is documented as a diminutive of the names Mary or Margaret. The name therefore has multiple origins, which is why its meaning cannot be reduced to a single derivation.
Mae
A spelling variant of May frequently chosen in the English-speaking world. It is often used as an independent first name or as a short middle name.
Mai
Mai has various origins: in Northern Europe, it occurs as a short form of Maria. In Japanese, the meaning depends on the characters; 舞 means "dance." The Vietnamese name form belongs to a term for the mume, a species of plum or apricot.
June
The English name for the month of June. It derives from the Roman goddess Juno, who in mythology is regarded as the protector of marriage and women. In German, the name is usually pronounced in the English way ("Dschun").
Juno
The direct name of the Roman goddess and the linguistic root of the month of June. The name is increasingly given in German-speaking countries and is usually pronounced the German way (with a long "U" at the end).
Junia
An ancient Roman family name belonging to the same name family as Juno and the month of June. The name is already documented in the New Testament and offers a classic alternative to June ending in "a."
July
The English name for the month of July. As a first name, it is less common than April or June, but is given in the English-speaking world. It shares its roots with the Roman name Julius.
Julius
Julius is a Roman family name denoting membership in the Julian clan. Its older etymological meaning is unexplained. A connection to Jupiter or to Greek ioulos, "down" (soft hair), belongs to the discussed explanations.
Julia
The feminine form of Julius and thus likewise etymologically closely connected to the month of July. A classic name that works well across many languages and cultures.
August
The name goes back to the Roman Emperor Augustus, after whom the eighth month of the year was named. The Latin word "augustus" means "venerable" or "exalted." In German, August is a traditional first name that is being given more frequently again after a period of rarity.
Augusta
The feminine form of August. It was used in the Roman Empire as an honorific title for female members of the imperial house and shares the meaning "venerable."
Augustin
A derivative of the name Augustinus, which in turn traces back to Augustus. It belongs to the same name family as the month name.
Octavia
The name for the month of October originates from the Latin word "octo" (eight). Octavia is a documented Roman family name that literally means "the eighth" and shares this linguistic root.
November
The English month name is given occasionally as a first name in the English-speaking world. It derives from the Latin "novem" (nine). In Germany, approval as a first name often depends on the local registry office, as the name is very rare.
Month Names in Everyday Life: Pronunciation and Combinations
If you decide on a month name, there are a few practical points to consider. Because many of these names come from English, you should check how well the first name pairs with your last name. An English-pronounced name like June or April combined with a very traditional German last name can create a strong linguistic contrast. Say the first and last name out loud together several times to test the rhythm.
Month names are also very well suited as middle names. If you would like to reflect your child's birth month, but the name seems too unusual as a primary first name, placing it as a middle name is a good compromise. This way, the name appears on official documents without being prominent in daily life.
Additionally, keep in mind that English month names such as April or June are generally recognized as first names by German registry offices without issue. With very rare variants such as November or January, the registry office may raise questions because the noun character of the word is strongly in the foreground.
How to Proceed
To find out whether a month name or a related form is right for you, start by collecting and structuring your ideas. Consider together whether you prefer a direct English month name like April or if ancient roots like Julius or Juno appeal to you more.
With HeyName, you can approach this process systematically. Connect your devices via an invite and rate names independently as "Favorite," "Maybe," or "Not for us." Names that both of you have marked as a favorite will appear as shared matches. Use filters by country or language to specifically search for English or Latin names. Afterward, you can test your favorites directly with your last name in the app and compare up to three names side by side to discuss your shortlist together.
Editorial update: