february

Where does the word "february" come from? It comes from Latin Februarius, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

February’s story begins in Latin: Februarius meant “month of purification.” From februa, purification rites held in mid-February, including the Lupercalia on the 15th; Julius Caesar's calendar of 45 BC gave it the leap day. By 1100s, the word had taken hold in Old French as feverier. Vulgar Latin had already dropped the first r (Febrarius); Middle English had forms like feverer. It reached English by 1300s as February. Scholars restored the Latin -br- in spelling, though many speakers still say 'Feb-yoo-ary'; Old English called it Solmonað, which Bede (725) explains as the month of cakes offered to the gods. Today, february means the second month of the year.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · classical Februarius "month of purification", from februa, purification rites held in mid-February, including the Lupercalia on the 15th; Julius Caesar's calendar of 45 BC gave it the leap day.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · 1100s feverier "February", Vulgar Latin had already dropped the first r (Febrarius); Middle English had forms like feverer.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s February "second month", scholars restored the Latin -br- in spelling, though many speakers still say 'Feb-yoo-ary'; Old English called it Solmonað, which Bede (725) explains as the month of cakes offered to the gods.