Why are English days named what they are?

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Ever wondered why Monday is called Monday or how Wednesday got its name? The names of the days of the week in English have fascinating origins, rooted in ancient history and steeped in mythology. Understanding these origins not only enriches our language ability but also provides intriguing insights into cultural heritage.

Origins of the days of the weeks names
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Origins of the seven-day week

The concept of a seven-day week has ancient origins, tracing back to the Babylonians around 1500 BCE. The Babylonians, keen astronomers, divided their lunar cycle into four weeks of seven days each, aligning with the phases of the moon. This practice was later adopted by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who found the seven-day cycle practical and meaningful.

The ancient Hebrews' influence also played a crucial role in establishing the seven-day week. According to the biblical account of creation, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, establishing a divine precedent for a seven-day cycle. This tradition was deeply ingrained in Hebrew culture and religious practices.

By the 1st century CE, the Romans had formalized the seven-day week, integrating it into their calendar system. This structure, combining astronomical observations and religious traditions, eventually spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, becoming the foundation of the modern seven-day week we use today.

In the Arabic and Hebrew calendars, the day begins at sunset, which contrasts with the Swahili concept of the day starting at sunrise and the Western world, where the day starts at midnight. This highlights the cultural influences on how days are numbered and identified within these different calendrical systems.

Origins of days of the week

How did Monday get its name? Meaning of Monday

Monday is named after the Moon. The Old English word for Monday was ѴDzԲԻæ, which translates to "Moon's day". This naming convention is quite common across various languages; for instance, in Latin, it's dies Lunae, also meaning "day of the Moon".

Tuesday name origin

Tuesday is named after the Norse god (also known as Tyr), a god of war and sky. The Old English term վɱæ directly reflects this association. The connection to Mars, the Roman god of war, can also be seen in other languages, such as French (mardi).

Why is Wednesday called Wednesday?

Wednesday is named after (or Woden), the chief god in Norse mythology. The Old English ´ǻԱæ translates to "Woden's day". This day is associated with Mercury in Roman mythology, which is why it's called éDZ in Spanish and mercredi in French.

Thursday name meaning

Thursday is named in honor of , the Norse god of thunder. The term 'Thor's day' serves as the etymological basis for Thursday. In Old English, it was Þū԰æ (Thunor’s day). The link to Jupiter, the Roman king of gods and god of thunder, explains the name jeudi in French and jueves in Spanish.

Friday history and meaning

Friday is named after (also known as Frigga or Freya), the Norse goddess associated with love and beauty. The Old English term æ means "Frigg's day". In Roman mythology, this day is linked to Venus, the goddess of love, which is reflected in names like viernes in Spanish and vendredi in French.

Saturday name origin

Saturday is unique among the English day names as it retains its Roman origin, specifically named after the Roman god , the Roman god of wealth and time. The Old English æٱԱæ directly references this deity. Interestingly, in other Germanic languages, the name often refers to the Sabbath, such as Samstag in German.

Sunday - The sun's day

Sunday is named after the Sun. Icelandic uniquely retains 'only the Sun' as the name for Sunday, rejecting names derived from pagan gods. The Old English ܲԲԲԻæ translates to “Sun’s day”, reflecting its importance and reverence in various cultures. This name is consistent across many languages, highlighting the widespread significance of the Sun.

The importance of understanding day names etymology

Understanding the etymology of day names helps language learners grasp the historical context and deepens their appreciation of English. These names are more than just labels for days; they are windows into ancient beliefs, cultures and linguistic evolution. The influence of Greek and Latin names on the naming of the days of the week during the Greco-Roman tradition is particularly notable, as the classical planets from Hellenistic astrology played a significant role in this process.

Exploring the origins of the day names in English reveals a blend of mythology, history and language evolution. From the Moon to Norse gods to Roman deities, each name tells a story of cultural significance.

Read our blog posts 'Fantasy, the English language and Tolkien' and 'How the English language has changed over the decades'.

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    By Billie Jago

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    • How do you level your grammar or vocabulary for the content you write?
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    • How do you contextualize new grammar or vocabulary?

    You can use many different resources, from online dictionaries to course workbooks to a Google search. Still, the Global Scale of English is a reference that provides everything you need to write great learning materials, all in one place. It can help save you valuable time as a teacher and materials writer.

    For me, the GSE was a game changer as an English teacher, and it continues to be as I write materials. The GSE is not just a tool; it’s a companion in the complex journey of material development, offering clarity and direction at every step. It can guide you in creating effective, engaging learning resources.

    How to use the GSE toolkit to create your own materials

    1. Establishing clear Learning Objectives

    helps you start with a clear roadmap. It provides detailed descriptors for language proficiency at every level, ensuring your materials align with specific learning objectives. For instance, if you’re creating a beginner-level reading comprehension activity, the GSE descriptors will guide you on the appropriate complexity of vocabulary and sentence structures.

    Take a look at the Learning Objectives tab in the GSE Toolkit to learn more.

    2. Designing level-appropriate content

    Once objectives are set, the GSE assists in tailoring the content difficulty to the targeted proficiency level. Its numerical scale, ranging from 10 to 90, allows you to pinpoint the exact level of language skills required and design your materials accordingly. This precision ensures that learners are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged.

    You can set the level you are looking for by sliding the bar along the scale, so it corresponds to the appropriate CEFR level or GSE range.