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Where does April get its name?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 07, 2026

April takes its name from the Latin word aperire, meaning 'to open' (just like flowers do in spring!). Here's a beautifully detailed watercolour drawing of a vase of flowers by French artist Antoine Jules Pelletier. The Romans called the month Aprilis.

Where does may get its name?

May entered English in the 1050s. It developed from the Old English Maius, borrowed directly from the Latin Maius, short for Maius mēnsis, “Maia's month.” But who is this Maia? The Greek goddess Maia was one of the Pleiades, the companions of Artemis, goddess of the hunt.

Why is April named after Aphrodite?

Another explanation for the etymology of April goes back to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and procreation. The Etruscans knew her as Apru. Since the Romans inherited many Etruscan customs and myths, they celebrated the same goddess in April.

When did April become a name?

April blossomed onto the American female naming charts in 1939, and she made some quick strides up the charts in less than 10 years (advancing over 600 positions to moderate levels of success). In 1967, April made the Top 100 list of most favored girl names in the United States.

What does April mean in Hebrew?

אַפּרִיל More Hebrew words for April. noun אַפּרִיל

23 related questions found

What Greek goddess is April named after?

April is named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. In the Roman calendar, the fourth month April is spelled Aprilis, meaning "to open." Festivals which were planned for April included Parrilla, a day celebrating the founding of Rome.

Why is July named July?

July, seventh month of the Gregorian calendar. It was named after Julius Caesar in 44 bce. Its original name was Quintilis, Latin for the “fifth month,” indicating its position in the early Roman calendar.

What does April mean in Latin?

April takes its name from the Latin word aperire, meaning 'to open' (just like flowers do in spring!).

What is January named after?

Gods and rituals

While January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, February comes from the word februum (purification) and februa, the rites or instruments used for purification. These formed part of preparations for the coming of Spring in the northern hemisphere.

How did December get its name?

What is December named for? December has marked the end of the year and the coming of winter since the ancient Romans established their first calendar. As its etymology indicates, December is formed from the Latin root decem- which means “ten” … but December is our twelfth month.

How did August get its name?

AUGUST: This month was first called Sextillia – the Roman word for “sixth”, as it was the sixth month of the Roman year. It was later changed to August by the Emperor Augustus, and he named it after himself.

Can April be a boy name?

The name April is girl's name of Latin origin meaning "to open". Once the most popular month names, April has been overtaken by June (for girls) and August (for boys), as well as the charmingly old-fashioned May.

Which Roman god gave his name to this month January?

JANUARY. Named for the Roman god Janus, protector of gates and doorways. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other into the future.

Where did the month names come from?

The modern Gregorian calendar has roots in the Roman calendar, specifically the calendar decreed by Julius Caesar. So, the names of the months in English all have Latin roots. Note: The earliest Latin calendar was a 10-month one, beginning with March; thus, September was the seventh month, October, the eighth, etc.

Where did October get its name?

October, 10th month of the Gregorian calendar. Its name is derived from octo, Latin for “eight,” an indication of its position in the early Roman calendar.

Why is March named March?

March, third month of the Gregorian calendar. It was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. Originally, March was the first month of the Roman calendar.

What was November named after?

November: November's name comes from novem, Latin for “nine." December: December's name come from decem, Latin for “ten." February: Around 690 B.C., Numa Pompilius turned a period of celebration at the end of the year into a month of its own, named after the festival Februa.

What is special about April born?

The people who are all born in April are energetic and active in nature. They have huge enthusiasm and passion for food, science, books, and travel. Apart from this, they pay more attention to actions more than words. The people who are all surrounded by the April born people will always have a bright smile with them.

What is the month of April famous for?

Historical moments in the month of April

The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. The Revolutionary War in America began on April 19, 1775. The United States Library of Congress was established April 24, 1800. Our first President George Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789.

Are April borns romantic?

They are very romantic

People who are born in April are pretty romantic lovers. They breathe romance along with their captivating looks. They are professional lovers who know how to love their significant others well.

What name means a gift from God?

Matthew – English, meaning "gift of God."

What name means daughter of God?

Batya: Hebrew girl name meaning “daughter of God”

What is the name of the Hebrew God?

Yahweh, name for the God of the Israelites, representing the biblical pronunciation of “YHWH,” the Hebrew name revealed to Moses in the book of Exodus.

Is April a girl's name?

The name April is primarily a female name of Latin origin that means Opening, 4th Month. The month of April was originally called "Aprilis" in Latin.