Which month is named after the Roman god Janus?

January is the month named after the Roman god Janus.

Janus was the Roman deity of beginnings, transitions, doorways, gates, passages, time, and endings. He is usually shown with two faces looking in opposite directions, an image that represents looking backward and forward. That symbolism made him a natural figure for the opening of a new year.

The Latin name for January was Ianuarius, meaning the month of Janus. Roman tradition attributes the addition of January and February to King Numa Pompilius, although the historical details of the early Roman calendar are uncertain. The original Roman calendar reportedly began with March, and January became the first month only after later reforms.

January 1 was associated with Janus and with good omens for the year ahead. Romans exchanged good wishes and gifts such as coins, dates, figs, and honey. A common mix-up is confusing Janus with Juno: June is named after Juno, while January belongs to Janus. His name also survives in the English word “janitor,” ultimately connected with doors.