Learning months of the year in English is one easy way to begin your journey into mastery of the language. Therefore, in this article, we aim to help you with that, with all 12 months name in English.
Following several calendar inventions and adjustments, the Gregorian Calendar is today the global touchstone for measuring the year with months and days. According to the modern calendar, 28 to 31 days make a month, and 12 months, 365 days that is, make a year. Finally, after every four years, one day adds to the 28 days in the second month to make a leap year. Seven out of the 12 have 31 days each, four have 30 days, and one with 28/29 days. Before we delve into the subject, we should let you know you can learn English online free to sharpen speaking skills. You get to study at your convenient time and have access to helpful tools and materials while learning.
12 Months of the Year in English
| Month | Short form | Number of Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | Jan. | 31 |
| 2 | February | Feb. | 28 (29 in a leap year) |
| 3 | March | Mar. | 31 |
| 4 | April | Apr. | 30 |
| 5 | May | May | 31 |
| 6 | June | June | 30 |
| 7 | July | July | 31 |
| 8 | August | Aug. | 31 |
| 9 | September | Sep. | 30 |
| 10 | October | Oct. | 31 |
| 11 | November | Nov. | 30 |
| 12 | December | Dec. | 31 |
1. January – Jan. – 31 days
Named after the Roman God of beginnings, duality, gateways, and endings – Janus – January is the first month in the Gregorian and Julian Calendars. Originally not one of the calendar months, history has it that it was only added following the reforms executed by Numa Pompilius during his reign as King.
Sentence example: It is super cold in Boston in January, so I think I might go buy a jacket recently.
2. February – Feb. – 28/29 days
From the Latin word “februum,” which suggests cleansing or purification, it is no coincidence that February is the Roman month of Lupercalia or Februa. Like January, February became a calendar month at the instance of Numa Pompilius, and it is the last month of the winter season.
Sentence example: Love is always in the air in February.
3. March – Mar. – 31 days
Ab initio, this was the first month of the year before January (Ianuarius), and February (Februarius) were introduced to the calendar. It is named after the Roman god of war – Mars. This is because it is the perfect time to resume military activities halted because of winter.
Sentence example: March is the third month of the year.
4. April – Apr. – 30 days
April (Aprilis) stems from the Latin term “apeire,” **which literally means “to open” or “to appear.” It is the month farmers return to their farms, and plants and trees begin to blossom, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Also, the month is widely associated with Aphrodite, the beauty goddess.
Sentence example: John is getting married sometime in April.
5. May – May – 31 days
The fifth month of the year is associated with Maia, the Roman deity of growth. This period sees the spring season’s peak, a crucial time for agriculture. Maia’s is also identified with plant nurturing; hence the association with farming.
Sentence example: My parents will return from their trip to China in May.
6. June – June – 30 days
June is the month of Iuno, the goddess of marriage and childbirth. Traditionally, in Rome, weddings happen in this month in reverence of the deity. Also, Iuno comes from the word “iuniore,” meaning “younger” or “vibrant.” June marks the beginning of summer, which is a great time for parties and enjoyment.
Sentence example: Last June, we received a memo from the head office.
7. July – July – 31 days
Originally known as Quintilis, meaning “fifth,” and in context, “the fifth month” according to the Roman calendar. Following the changes over the years, the name was changed to July in honor of Julius Caesar. At this time, it had become the seventh month.
Sentence example: My friends will gather at my house to celebrate the 4th of July.
8. August – Aug. – 31 days
In honor of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, a relative of Julius Caesar, sextilis was renamed August. Sextilis, from the root word “sextus” meaning “sixth,” ceased to be the sixth month after Ianarius and Februairiusbecame the first two months.
Sentence example: On the 31st of August, the police has found the killer.
9. September – Sept. – 30 days
From the root word “septem,” the prefix “sept-” literally connotes the number seven. September is today, the ninth month of the year. Traditionally, this month was dedicated to the Roman Games (Ludi Romani).
Sentence example: I last saw my best friend in September last year.
10. October – Oct. – 31 days
Until the Roman Calendar was converted to a 12-month calendar, October was the eighth month of the year. The month is significant because it is the month to honor goddess Victoria and also marks the commencement of the Sullan Victory Games (Ludi Victoriae Sullanae).
Sentence example: Hey! We will celebrate Halloween in October together.
11. November – Nov. – 30 days
November, the ninth month turned eleventh, derives its name from the Latin word “novem,” which means “nine.” It is the month when the Plebeian Games (Ludi Plebeii) begin. The religious festival spans four days, from the fourth to the seventh of November. Today, the month is widely regarded as the one for Thanksgiving in America.
Sentence example: We would be ready to launch the program in November.
12. December – Dec. – 31 days
December is the first month of winter, characterized by less daylight. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it is the 12th month of the year even though it was originally the 10th in the Roman year. December is today one of the most anticipated months globally because it is the month for Christmas celebrations and holidays.
Sentence example: December is such a cold month.
What is the Origin of the Modern Calendar?
As far back as 3000 BC, the Mesopotamians already had a full-blown system, trying to calculate time, and by 2500 BC, the Egyptians had created theirs. However, the basis of the modern calendar (the Gregorian) is the Roman one which was executed in about 750 BC by the first King of the empire – King Romulus. The name for months of the year in English originated in this very calendar.
Note that the program under Romulus had only ten months, not including the winter months of January and February. That is to say, the year began in March and ended in December. This arrangement was later adjusted by Numa Pompilius, the next and second King of Rome, to add January and February. This was called the Republican Calendar, with a total of 355 days. Many changes have been made. The most notable of these reforms was the one initiated by Julius Caesar in 46 BC which saw the birth of the Julian Calendar. The calendar had 12 months, 365 days, with an extra day added to February every four years. However, this system had other complexities that made it add three days every four centuries. The later Gregorian Calendar was introduced in 1582 to correct this and is today the international standard.
Months name in English: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.
May is the fifth month in a year.
January, it has 31 days.
The Daunting Journey of Months of the Year in English
From many many calendars in the past, now you know the origin and history of calendars through the course of man’s existence. Historically, the Sumerians in Mesopotamia developed the earliest system; however, achieving accuracy will take another 4500 years through multiple civilizations. The modern calendar owes its existence to the effort that saw to the development of the Roman Calendar. It is very interesting to see the origins of the months name in English, right? Do you care to smoothen your conversational English fluency through personalized classes? You will find native-speaking teachers ready to help you meet your language goals at a pocket-friendly cost. Besides English translation of the calendar months, you would also find months in Spanish pretty interesting. If you have desire to further your English language learning, check out this roundup of ten advanced English classes. Sign up and get in touch with best-fit tutors at AmazingTalker. Break a leg!
