8 May 2025

Months in Ukrainian Language and Their Origins

Did you know that the Ukrainian names for the months of the year aren’t borrowed from Latin or Roman tradition like in many European languages? Instead, they reflect the rhythms of nature, ancient agricultural life, and Slavic culture. Unlike January, February, or March — words rooted in Roman mythology — Ukrainian month names describe natural events, seasonal changes, and work done during that time of year.

In this article, we’ll explore all twelve Ukrainian months, uncover their meanings, and explain the beautiful connection between language, land, and tradition.

Зима́ /zyma/ – Winter

Гру́день /hruden‘/ – December

The name Грудень (December) has its roots in the Ukrainian word грудка meaning "clod of earth." In the past, during the winter months, the roads became muddy and rough after autumn rains. When the weather froze in December, chunks of frozen soil, or грудки, would form along the roads. This natural phenomenon led to the naming of the month, capturing the harsh and earthy conditions of the season.

Сі́чень /sichen‘/ – January

The name Січень (January) originates from the word сочень, which referred to the peak or heart of winter. This term highlights the coldest and harshest time of the year, when winter is at its fullest. Traditionally, this was the month when the harshest frost would settle in, marking the true middle of the winter season.

Лю́тий /liutyi/ – February

The word Лю́тий (February) comes from the Ukrainian word лютий, which means "furious" or "wild." This name reflects the intense, harsh weather that often characterizes February as the coldest month of the year. During this time, winter is at its peak, with fierce winds and heavy snowstorms, making it seem as if nature itself is in a fury.

Весна́ /vesna/ – Spring

Бе́резень /berezen‘/ – March

The name Бе́резень (March) is derived from the word бере́за, which means "birch tree." This is because, during March, the birch trees begin to blossom, signaling the arrival of spring. This month signifies the shift from the cold winter months to the milder, blossoming spring season. The connection between March and the birch tree’s emergence highlights the strong bond between Ukrainian culture and the natural world.

Кві́тень /kviten‘/ – April

The name Кві́тень (April) comes from the verb квітнути, which means "to flower" or "to blossom." This perfectly captures the essence of the month, as it marks the time numerous trees and plants start to blossom, filling the atmosphere with pleasant scents. The name reflects the vibrant awakening of nature, as flowers start to blossom and the landscape becomes more colorful, signaling the full arrival of spring.

Тра́вень /traven‘/ – May

The name Тра́вень (May) is derived from the word трава́, which means "grass." During this month, the grass begins to grow rapidly, covering fields and meadows in vibrant green. May is a time of lush vegetation and the flourishing of plant life, as the warmth of spring encourages growth. This month is strongly associated with nature's vitality and the beauty of a thriving landscape.

Лі́то /lito/ – Summer

Че́рвень /cherven‘/ – June

The name Че́рвень (June) comes from the word черво́ний, meaning "red." This month is marked by the appearance of red hues in nature, with the red moon often visible in the sky, and a variety of red fruits and berries, like strawberries and cherries, beginning to ripen. The name captures the lively hues of summer, marking the height of the warm season and the plentiful harvest of fresh crops.

Ли́пень /lypen‘/ – July

The name Ли́пень (July) is derived from the word ли́па (linden tree). During this month, the linden trees are in full bloom, filling the air with their sweet, fragrant scent. July in Ukraine is defined by the vibrant green leaves and fragrant blossoms of linden trees, marking the height of summer. The month is synonymous with warmth, extended daylight hours, and nature at its most abundant.

Се́рпень /serpen‘/ – August

The name Се́рпень (August) comes from the word серп (sickle), a tool traditionally used to harvest grain crops. In August, the fields are filled with ripened grain, and farmers begin the important task of reaping the harvest.This month represents the culmination of the farming season, as the efforts of summer harvest begin to yield their rewards. It is a time of abundance, with crops being gathered and prepared for the coming months.

О́сінь /osin‘/ – Autumn

Ве́ресень /veresen‘/ – September

The name Ве́ресень (September) comes from the word ве́рес (heather), a plant that begins to bloom in this month. As autumn approaches, heather covers the fields with its vibrant purple flowers, signaling the changing of the seasons. September is a transitional month, where the warm summer days slowly give way to cooler autumn temperatures. It’s a time when nature starts to prepare for the harvest, with fruits and vegetables ripening, and the first signs of autumn color beginning to appear.

Жо́втень /zhovten‘/ – October

The name Жо́втень (October) is derived from the word жо́втий (yellow), representing the golden shades that dominate the autumn landscape. During this month, the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a picturesque scene across Ukraine. As the weather cools and the days shorten, the beauty of nature's transformation is evident in the abundance of yellow leaves that cover the ground. October is a time of change, both in the landscape and in the rhythm of life, as people prepare for the colder months ahead.

Листопа́д /lystopad/ – November

The word "Листопа́д" (November) originates from two elements: "лист" (leaf) and "падати" (to fall), reflecting the time when leaves begin to fall from the trees. November marks the peak of the autumn leaf-fall, as the trees shed their leaves in preparation for the winter. The ground is often covered with a blanket of colorful fallen leaves, and the air becomes cooler as the days grow shorter. It's a time of reflection and transition, as nature retreats into a quieter phase, and the cold weather starts to settle in.

In conclusion

To wrap up, the Ukrainian calendar months provide a unique glimpse into the country’s profound relationship with nature and its agricultural traditions. Each month embodies the shifts in seasons and the activities that have historically influenced daily life. By delving into these names, we develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of Ukraine's cultural heritage and the natural world that has shaped its customs.

Table:

Month (Ukrainian)- Transcription- Pronunciation Guide

Гру́день (December)- hruden‘- "HROO-den'"
Сі́чень (January)- sichen‘- "SEE-chen'"
Лю́тий (February)- liutyi- "LYOO-tyi"
Бе́резень (March)- berezen‘- "BEH-reh-zen'"
Кві́тень (April)- kviten‘- "KVEE-ten'"
Тра́вень (May)- traven‘- "TRAH-ven'"
Че́рвень (June)- cherven‘- "CHER-ven'"
Ли́пень (July)- липень‘- "LY-pehn’"
Се́рпень (August)- serpen‘- "SER-pen'"
Ве́ресень (September)- veresen‘- "VEH-reh-sen'"
Жо́втень (October) - zhovten‘- "ZHOH-vten'"
Листопа́д (November)- lystopad- "ly-sto-PAHD"