In the Roman calendar, the month renamed in 8 BCE to honor Emperor Augustus was August.
The month was previously called Sextilis, meaning “sixth,” because it was the sixth month in the earliest Roman calendar, which began in March. After January and February were added, Sextilis became the eighth month, but its older name remained.
The Roman Senate renamed Sextilis Augustus in 8 BCE. The change honored Augustus because several of his important victories and achievements, including the conquest of Egypt, were associated with that month. The new name spread through the Roman Empire and eventually became the standard name in many modern languages.
August is sometimes confused with July, which was renamed earlier in honor of Julius Caesar. Both names commemorate Roman leaders, but August honors Augustus, while July honors Julius Caesar.