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Where does the word "july" come from? It comes from Latin Quintilis, passing through Latin before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "july" come from? It comes from Latin Quintilis, passing through Latin before entering English (1200s).
July’s story begins in Latin: Quintilis meant “fifth month.” 'fifth month', counting from March. Within Latin, it grew into Iulius by 44 BC. Renamed in 44 BC, the year of his assassination, to honour Julius Caesar, who was born in that month. It reached English by 1200s as July. From Anglo-Norman julie, replacing Old English Æfterra Liþa; the US Declaration of Independence was adopted on 4 July 1776. Today, july means the seventh month of the year.
- Stage 1 · Latin · classical Quintilis "fifth month", 'fifth month', counting from March.
- Stage 2 · Latin · 44 BC Iulius "month of Julius", renamed in 44 BC, the year of his assassination, to honour Julius Caesar, who was born in that month.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s July "seventh month", from Anglo-Norman julie, replacing Old English Æfterra Liþa; the US Declaration of Independence was adopted on 4 July 1776.