Without a doubt, the full moon has long been a source of fascination for humans. We have gazed at its surface, mused about its names and meanings, and used it to tell time.
Did you know that there are different lunar names for full moons? Each month has a different full moon name, and each full moon name has a different meaning.
For example, the January full moon is known as the Wolf Moon. According to Native American tradition, this is the time of year when wolf packs howl more often.
February’s full moon is called the Snow Moon, because it is usually the snowiest month of the year.
March’s full moon is known as the Worm Moon, because it is the time of year when worms start to come out of the ground.
The full moon also plays an important role in mythology and folklore. Across different cultures, the full moon is also associated with distinctive different names and meanings.
A full moon illuminating a desert oasis with palm trees surrounding a pristine water source. The reflection of the full moon creates a mirror image on the water, while the surrounding dunes provide a dramatic backdrop.
For quick reference, we’ve conveniently listed the most popular full moon names listed in order of appearance:
- Wolf Moon – January Full Moon
- Snow Moon – February Full Moon
- Worm Moon – March Full Moon
- Pink Moon – April Full Moon
- Flower Moon – May Full Moon
- Strawberry Moon – June Full Moon
- Buck Moon – July Full Moon
- Sturgeon Moon – August Full Moon
- Harvest Moon – September Full Moon
- Hunter’s Moon – October Full Moon
- Beaver Moon – November Full Moon
- Cold Moon – December Full Moon
Since history began, the moon has invariably been a mesmerizing body in the night sky.
For centuries, people have looked to the moon and given it different names.
In fact, different cultures have their own unique names and meanings for the full moons throughout the year.
Understanding The Full Moon Names and Meanings
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Full moon names are deeply rooted in human history, with diverse cultures attributing various names based on their unique observations, folklore, and seasonal activities.
This tradition dates back to Native American tribes, whose lives were closely tied to the land and the changing seasons.
To keep track of time, they assigned unique names to each full moon, which were later adopted by colonial Europeans and incorporated into the modern calendar source.
Below we will list and review each of these traditional full moons names with meanings in order of their respective monthly appearances.
We will also be looking at some of the other names for full names that are not mainstream and are unique to different cultures.
Let’s take a closer view at each of the full moons and some interesting thoughts to ponder! ⤵️
1. The Wolf Moon – January
The Wolf Moon is the name given to the first full moon of January.
It’s a time when wolves howl at the moon, and it’s also the perfect time to start new projects and set goals for the year ahead.
The Wolf Moon is also sometimes called the Old Moon, Stay Home Moon and Quiet Moon.
Native American names for this full moon include the Center Moon and the Bear Moon.
The Anglo-Saxon lunar name for the Wolf Moon is referred to as the Moon after Yule.
2. The Snow Moon – February
The Snow Moon is the name given to the full moon of February. It’s a time when the snow is deep and cold.
In most years, February brings the heaviest snowfalls of winter. The Snow Moon is a time to reflect on the things that are most important to you.
It’s also sometimes called the Hunger Moon or the Storm Moon.
Native American names for the February Snow Moon include the Eagle Moon and the When the Bear Cubs are Born Moon.
3. The Worm Moon – March
The Worm Moon is the name given to the third full moon which occurs in March.
It’s a time when worms emerge from the ground, and it’s also a time to think about new beginnings and fresh starts.
The Worm Moon marks the end of winter and the start of spring. As the ground thaws, earthworms become active again.
It’s also sometimes called the Storm Moon, Crustacean Moon or the Full Sap Moon.
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4. The Pink Moon – April
The Pink Moon is the name given to the fourth full moon of April. It’s a time when pink flowers bloom, and it’s also a time to celebrate love, friendship, and all other forms of relationships.
April’s full moon is named for the pink wildflowers that bloom in early spring, including Phlox and Moss Pink. It’s also sometimes called the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, or the Fish Moon.
5. The Flower Moon – May
The Flower Moon is the name given to the fifth full moon of May. It’s a time when flowers are in bloom, and it’s also a time to take stock of your life and what’s important to you.
May’s full moon is also called the Flower Moon because of all the blossoms that appear at this time of year.
It’s also sometimes called the Mother’s Day Moon or Milk Moon and Corn Moon.
6. The Strawberry Moon – June
The Strawberry Moon is the name given to the sixth full moon of June. It’s a time when strawberries are in season, and it’s also a time to enjoy all the sweetness that life has to offer.
June’s full moon is also sometimes called the Rose Moon or Hot Moon, because June is typically one of the warmest months of the year.
7. The Buck Moon – July
The Buck Moon gets its name from how male deer start to grow their antlers during this month. It’s also sometimes called the ThunderMoon or the HayMoon. It usually occurs in late July.
It’s also sometimes referred to as ThunderMoon because thunderstorms are common during this time of year and the HayMoon.
8. The Sturgeon Moon – August
Named for sturgeon fish that are abundant in lakes and rivers during this month, the Sturgeon Moon is also sometimes called the the Grain Moon. It usually occurs in mid-August.
Additionally it is often called the Corn Moon because corn is traditionally harvested during this month.
9. The Harvest Moon – September
September is called the Full Harvest Moon because it occurs at the time of the year when farmers harvest their wheat, barley, and rye crops
It usually falls close to the Autumnal Equinox, signaling a balance between day and night. In some years there are two Full Moons in September, which is then followed by no Full Moons in October (a Blackout Month).
It’s also sometimes called the Barley Moon, WheatMoon, or the FruitMoon.
10. The Hunter’s Moon – October
Named for hunters who traditionally take advantage of this month’s bright moons to go after their prey, the Hunter’s Moon is also sometimes called the Blood-Moon due to the reddish hue it often takes on, and also called the Sanguine Moon.
The Hunter’s Moon gets its name from the fact that it was traditionally the time of year when hunters would stock up on food for the winter.
11. The Beaver Moon – November
As beavers begin to prepare their winter dams, November’s full moon is appropriately named the Beaver Moon.
It is named for the time of year when beavers would traditionally begin to prepare their lodges for winter.
The Beaver Moon is also sometimes called the Frosty Moon due to the chill that begins to settle in around this time of year. This full moon occurs at the beginning of November.
12. The Cold Moon – December
This is the last full moon of the year, and it coincides with the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Named for the cold weather that typically settles in during December, the Cold Moon is also sometimes called the Oak Moon and the Long Night’s Moon due to the amount of darkness that occurs during this time of year. This full moon occurs at the end of December.
12 Fun Full Moon Facts
- The full moon occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun in the sky, with the Earth in between.
- The full moon can sometimes appear larger than usual when it is closer to Earth in its orbit, an event known as a “supermoon.”
- The full moon’s gravitational pull on Earth causes ocean tides to rise and fall.
- The full moon can affect human behavior, with some people reporting trouble sleeping or increased anxiety during a full moon.
- The full moon can cast shadows at night, making it easier to see objects and navigate in low-light conditions.
- The full moon has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, becoming a symbol of beauty and wonder.
- The full moon’s brightness can be affected by atmospheric conditions on Earth, with pollution and dust in the atmosphere causing the moon to appear reddish or orange.
- The full moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise, staying visible throughout the entire night.
- The full moon can cause changes in animal behavior, such as increased activity in nocturnal animals and altered migration patterns in birds.
- The full moon has been studied by astronomers for centuries, providing insight into the moon’s surface features, composition, and history.
- The full moon is the brightest and most recognizable phase of the moon, appearing as a complete circle of light in the night sky.
- The full moon’s brightness can be affected by additional factors, including its distance from Earth, its phase, and atmospheric conditions on Earth.
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Best Ways to Celebrate Full Moons
We all know that the full moon has some pretty spooky associations. But did you know that there are some benefits to having a full moon?
Here are some positive ways to enjoy and celebrate full moons that you may not have considered:
1. Moon Bathe
We know that sunlight is good for us, but did you know that moonlight can also be beneficial?
Moon bathing, or soaking up the moon’s rays, can help improve our sleep quality, alleviate stress, and boost our mood.
2. Enjoy Moonlit Walks
A soothing stroll under the light of the full moon can be the perfect way to wind down after a long day.
Not only will you get some fresh air and exercise, but you’ll also get to appreciate the beauty of nature.
3. Full Moon Friends and Family Gatherings
If you’re looking for a reason to celebrate, look no further than the full moon!
Gather your friends and family and have a party under the full moonlight of the bright night sky.
Frequently Asked Questions: Full Moon Names and Meanings
Q. What are the different full moon names and their meanings?
A. The full moon names have been used by various cultures throughout history. The most common names include the:
- January: Wolf Moon
- February: Snow Moon
- March: Worm Moon
- April: Pink Moon
- May: Flower Moon
- June: Strawberry Moon
- July: Buck Moon
- August: Sturgeon Moon
- September: Harvest Moon
- October: Hunter’s Moon
- November: Beaver Moon
- December: Cold Moon
Each name is associated with the time of year it appears, and the natural events that occur during that time.
For example, the “Wolf Moon” is named for the howling of wolves during the winter month and “Harvest Moon” is named for the time of year when crops are harvested.
Q. Are there any other full moon names?
A. Yes, there are other names for full moons that are not as commonly used. These include:
- Blue Moon: A second full moon in a calendar month
- Black Moon: A second new moon in a calendar month
- Super Moon: A full moon that occurs when the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit
- Lunar Eclipse: A full moon that occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon.
Q. What is the significance of the full moon names?
A. The significance of full moon names varies depending on the culture and tradition. In some cultures, full moons were used as a way to keep track of time and mark important events.
In others, they were believed to have spiritual or supernatural powers. Today, many people use full moon names and meanings as a way to connect with nature and the natural cycles of the Earth.
Q. Are full moon names different for different cultures?
A. Yes, full moon names and meanings can vary depending on the culture.
Different cultures have different names and stories associated with full moons.
For example, Native American tribes have their own names and meanings for full moons, as do many other cultures.
Q. What is the name of the Moon princess?
A. In Japanese folklore, the name of the Moon princess is Kaguya-hime, who is a character in “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” one of the oldest Japanese legends.
Q. What are the Lakota names for moons?
A. The Lakota Sioux have unique names for each full moon. For example, the January full moon is called “Wiotehika Wi” which translates to “Moon of Hard Times,”
The February full moon is called “Cannapopa Wi” which translates to “Moon When Trees Crack from Cold.”
Q. What does Ayla mean moon?
A. Ayla is a Turkish name for girls that means “halo of light around the moon.”
Q. What is the Ojibwe moon called?
A. In the Ojibwe language, the word for moon is “Dibik-Giizis.”
Q. What is a Cree moon?
In the Cree language, the word for moon is “Tipiskâw Pîsim.”
Q. What does full moon mean in Hebrew?
A. In Hebrew, the term for full moon is “Yareach Male,” with “Yareach” meaning moon and “Male” meaning full.
Q. What is the Dakota word for moon?
A. In the Dakota Sioux language, the word for moon is “Hanhepi.”
Q. What is the biblical word for moon?
In the Bible, the moon is often referred to as “Yareach,” which is Hebrew for moon.
Q. What was moon called in Latin?
A. In Latin, the moon is called “Luna.”
Q. What Celtic name means moon?
A. The Celtic name “Arianrhod” is often associated with the moon. It means “silver wheel,” a reference to the wheel of the year and the moon’s cycles.
Q. Why did Native Americans name each full moon?
A. Native Americans named each full moon to keep track of the seasons. Each name is tied to certain activities or events that occur at that time of the year.
Q. What are 13 moons Ojibwe?
A. The Ojibwe people recognize 13 moons in their lunar calendar, each with a unique name reflecting the changes in nature during that time.
For example, the “Maple Sugar Moon” marks the time when maple sap begins to run.
Q. What is the Abenaki full moon?
A. The Abenaki people, like many Native American tribes, have unique names for each full moon. For example, the September full moon is called “Corn Maker Moon.”
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