Etymology Map
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July

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the seventh month of the year

Where does the word "july" come from? It comes from Latin Quintilis, passing through Latin before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
Quintilis
Latin · classical
"fifth month"
'fifth month', counting from March
2
Stage 2 of 3
Iulius
Latin · 44 BC
"month of Julius"
renamed in 44 BC, the year of his assassination, to honour Julius Caesar, who was born in that month
3
Stage 3 of 3
July
English · 1200s
"seventh month"
from Anglo-Norman julie, replacing Old English Æfterra Liþa; the US Declaration of Independence was adopted on 4 July 1776
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Read the full story

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.