How the Months Got Their Names in Croatian

Croatian month names are unique among many European languages because they are native Slavic words, often connected with nature, weather, farming, or church feasts. Below is a clear, learner-friendly overview of what each month's name means and where it likely comes from.

January — Siječanj

According to one common theory, siječanj comes from the verb sjeći (“to cut”), referring to the winter cutting of firewood. However, historical variants such as svečan, svičen, and sičan suggest the origin may be more complex.

In folk tradition, January was also called:

• malobožićnjak (after Epiphany)

• pavlovščak (after the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Jan 25)

• prezimec

February — Veljača

Some sources connect veljača with velji (“bigger, longer”), referring to days becoming longer. Another interpretation links it to the idea of change in nature.

Traditional folk names include:

• svečen (after Candlemas, Feb 2)

• veljak

• svičan

March — Ožujak

March is known for highly changeable weather. The name ožujak is often linked to the noun laž (“lie”), suggesting a “deceptive month” that alternates between winter and spring.

Folk names include:

• gregurjevščak

• sušec

• protuletnjak

April — Travanj

The origin of travanj is transparent: it comes from trava (“grass”), since this is when vegetation turns vividly green.

Historically, people also said:

• mali travanj (April)

• veliki travanj (May)

Other folk names:

• jurjevščak

• traven

May — Svibanj

Svibanj is named after sviba (dogwood), a shrub that blooms in late spring and is common in the region.

Folk names include:

• filipovčak

• rožnjak

• sviben

June — Lipanj

Lipanj comes from lipa (linden tree), which blossoms around this time and is famous for its fragrant flowers used in herbal tea.

Other traditional names:

• ivanščak

• klasen

• rožencvet

July — Srpanj

The name srpanj derives from srp (“sickle”), the traditional tool used for harvesting grain.

Because harvesting extended into the next month, folk usage distinguished:

• mali srpanj (July)

• veliki srpanj (August)

August - Kolovoz

Kolovoz comes from kolo (“wheel, wagon”) and voziti (“to drive”). It refers to transporting the harvested crops by wagon.

Folk names include:

• velikomešnjak

• kolovožnjak

• osemnik

September - Rujan

Contrary to popular belief, rujan is not named after wine. It is linked to the verb rjati, referring to the rutting calls of deer and other animals during mating season in early autumn.

Folk names:

• malomešnjak

• rujen

• jesenščak

October — Listopad

Perhaps the most transparent name: listopad literally means “leaf fall” (list + padati), describing autumn defoliation.

Folk names include:

• Miholjščak

• kožaprst

• desetnik

November — Studeni

Studeni comes from studen (“cold”), referring to the arrival of a serious late-autumn chill.

Other folk names:

• vsesvetčak

• veternjak

• zmiščak

December — Prosinac

The origin of prosinac is uncertain. One theory connects it with prositi (“to beg”), referring to increased almsgiving before Christmas. Another links it to prosijati / prosinuti (“to shine through”), describing the weak winter sun.

Folk names include:

• velikobožićnjak

• gruden

• dvanajstnik