The Name September: Meaning, Origins, Variations, And Significance

September is a unique and intriguing name that has gained popularity in recent years. If you’re considering this name for your child, you may be wondering about its origins, meaning, and cultural significance. In this article, we’ll explore all of these topics and more, providing you with a comprehensive guide to the name September.

1. Origins

The name September comes from the Latin word “septem,” which means “seven.” In the ancient Roman calendar, September was the seventh month of the year. However, when the calendar was reformed in the 16th century, September became the ninth month.

2. What does September mean?

The meaning of September is closely tied to its origins as the seventh month of the Roman calendar. It represents a time of transition and change, as the summer months give way to autumn. September is often associated with the harvest season, as well as with new beginnings and fresh starts.

3. Variations

While September is a relatively uncommon name, there are a few variations that you may come across. These include Septembre (French), Settembre (Italian), and Septimber (a rare variant).

4. Famous People

There are not many famous people with the name September, but one notable example is September Penn, an American actress known for her roles in films such as “The Social Network” and “The Master.”

5. Literature and Popular Culture

The name September has been used in a few works of literature and popular culture. In the children’s book “The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making” by Catherynne M. Valente, the protagonist is named September. The name has also been used in a few songs, including “September Song” by Frank Sinatra and “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

6. Popularity

September is not a very popular name in the United States, but it has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few decades. In 2020, it ranked as the 2,936th most popular name for girls, with only 33 babies given the name that year.

7. Regional Differences in Popularity

While September is not a very common name in any region of the United States, it is slightly more popular in the West and Northeast than in the South or Midwest.

8. Psychology of Naming

Parents may choose the name September for their child for a variety of reasons. Some may be drawn to its unique and unusual sound, while others may appreciate its association with the harvest season and new beginnings. The name September may also appeal to parents who are looking for a gender-neutral name that is not too common.

9. Gender-Neutral Name

September is generally considered to be a gender-neutral name, although it is more commonly given to girls than to boys. In some cultures, such as in Sweden, September is more commonly given to boys.

10. Etymology

The word “septem” from which September is derived is also the root of other words in the English language, such as “septet” and “septuagenarian.” The Latin word itself is thought to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European word for “seven.”

11. Mythology and Folklore

There are no major mythological or folkloric stories associated with the name September. However, the month of September is associated with the harvest season in many cultures, and there are numerous myths and legends related to this time of year.

12. Religion

The name September is not associated with any particular religion or religious figure.

13. Nicknames

Some common nicknames for September include Sep, Sept, and Ember.