Etymology Map
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January

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the first month of the year

Where does the word "january" come from? It comes from Latin Ianuarius, passing through Anglo-Norman before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
Ianuarius
Latin · classical
"month of Janus"
the month of Janus, two-faced god of doorways and beginnings; from 153 BC Roman consuls took office on 1 January, making it the start of the civil year
2
Stage 2 of 3
Genever
Anglo-Norman · 1100s
"January"
the Norman French form replaced Old English Æfterra Geola, 'after Yule'
3
Stage 3 of 3
January
English · 1300s
"first month"
respelled after Latin; England's legal year began on 25 March until the Calendar Act of 1750 moved New Year's Day to 1 January from 1752
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Read the full story

January’s story begins in Latin: Ianuarius meant “month of Janus.” The month of Janus, two-faced god of doorways and beginnings; from 153 BC Roman consuls took office on 1 January, making it the start of the civil year. By 1100s, the word had taken hold in Anglo-Norman as Genever. The Norman French form replaced Old English Æfterra Geola, 'after Yule'. It reached English by 1300s as January. Respelled after Latin; England's legal year began on 25 March until the Calendar Act of 1750 moved New Year's Day to 1 January from 1752. Today, january means the first month of the year.