The Names of the Full Moons

For centuries, the names of the Full Moons have been assigned by different cultures based on seasonal events, nature and animal behaviours. The most well-known names in Western culture come from Native American, Colonial American and European traditions.

The Ancient Traditions and Cultural Meanings Behind the Names of the Full Moons

January – Wolf Moon

The Wolf Moon is named after the howling of hungry wolves that could be heard in midwinter. This is because in many cultures, wolves were seen as symbols of strength and survival.

• Other Names for The Wolf Moon: Old Moon (Celtic), Ice Moon (Anglo-Saxon), Severe Moon (Dakota).

February – Snow Moon

The name Snow Moon comes from the heavy snowfalls, which are typical in the Northern Hemisphere during February. The Snow Moon signifies the harshest part of winter.

• Other Names for The Snow Moon: Storm Moon (Celtic), Hunger Moon (Cherokee), Bony Moon (Dakota, as food supplies were scarce).

March – Worm Moon

As winter thaws, Earthworms start appearing, marking the return of robins and other song birds at the beginning of Spring. It is for this reason that some cultures associate the Worm Moon with rebirth and renewal.

• Other Names for The Worm Moon: Crow Moon (Cree, for the return of crows), Crust Moon (Algonquin, referring to the crusted snow).

April – Pink Moon

The Pink Moon is named after the early blooming wildflower Phlox subulata. This flower is more commonly known as moss pink, which spreads across fields in early spring.

• Other Names for The Pink Moon: Sprouting Grass Moon (Dakota), Egg Moon (Old English), Fish Moon (Native American, referring to fish swimming upstream).

May – Flower Moon

With Spring in full bloom, the Flower Moon is named after the abundance of flowers that appear during May.

• Other Names for The Flower Moon: Corn Planting Moon (Cherokee), Hare Moon (European).

June – Strawberry Moon

This name of The Strawberry Moon originates from the Algonquin tribes. This is because June marks the ripening of wild strawberries.

• Other Names for The Strawberry Moon: Rose Moon (European), Hot Moon (Cherokee, for the beginning of summer heat).

July – Buck Moon

In July, The Buck Moon is named for the male deer (bucks) as they begin to grow new antlers covered in soft velvet, which signals their maturity.

• Other Names for The Buck Moon: Thunder Moon (Colonial American, due to summer storms), Hay Moon (European, linked to harvesting the hay meadows).

August – Sturgeon Moon

The Sturgeon, a large fish found in the Great Lakes, was most easily caught during this time, leading to the moon’s name among Native American fishing tribes.

• Other Names for The Sturgeon Moon: Green Corn Moon (Cherokee), Grain Moon (Anglo-Saxon).

September – Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon occurs close to the Autumn Equinox. By providing extra light, the Harvest Moon allows farmers to work later into the evening and bring in their crops.

• Other Names for The Harvest Moon: Corn Moon (Algonquin), Barley Moon (European).

October – Hunter’s Moon

After the harvest, hunters would make use of the bright moonlight cast by this Full Moon, which aided them to track and hunt animals in preparation for winter.

• Other Names for The Hunter’s Moon: Dying Grass Moon (Native American), Blood Moon (European, symbolising the hunt).

November – Beaver Moon

The Beaver Moon is named because this is the time Beavers became active in preparing their lodges for winter, offering the fur traders the opportunity to set traps before the Water froze.

• Other Names for The Beaver Moon: Frost Moon (Anglo-Saxon), White Moon (Cherokee).

December – Cold Moon

The Cold Moon signifies the onset of deep winter and the longest nights of the year.

• Other Names for The Cold Moon: Long Night Moon (Mohican), Oak Moon (Celtic, honouring the sacred oak tree).

The names of the Full Moons reflect the deep connection ancient peoples had with nature and seasonal cycles. This is because across different cultures these Moons mark important changes in the landscape and nature. Thus guiding farming, hunting and spiritual practices.

Today, these Full Moon names continue to remind us of the rhythm of the natural world and the changes that come with each Lunar Cycle.