Depending on where you live in the world, August can often be one of the sunnier highlights of the calendar. It’s the eighth month of the year, and for many people, it marks the height and the end of the school holidays. It’s also likely to be the time of year when most people go away on sunny holidays!
But more than just being a hot month for holidaying, what else is there about August you might find fascinating? Let’s open up a fact file and jump right in.
1. It’s a month with an ancient name.
August gets its name from the Roman emperor of Augustus Caesar. Before its renaming, it was called Sextilis. It’s thought that the change occurred as Augustus experienced many victories during the month. Nothing like blowing your own trumpet!
2. It’s a popular first name in many places!
August is a hugely popular name in Sweden. In fact, it’s cracked the top 60 boys’ names in the country a few years ago.
3. It holds an odd Presidential distinction.
Only one US President in history has died during the month of August – Warren Harding.
4. You’re either a lion or a maiden if you’re born this month.
If you’re born in the month of August, you are always going to be one of two star signs. If you’re born any time up to the 22nd of August, you’re a Leo. Any time after this up to September 22nd, you’re a Virgo.
5. Which famous people have birthdays in August?
Of course, there are many, many famous people with August birthdays. These include actors Peter O’Toole, Mila Kunis and Ben Affleck, as well as jazz giant Louis Armstrong, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and ex US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
6. What’s the August birthstone?
The official birthstones for the month of August are sardonyx and peridot.
7. Is August hot or cold for you?
While many people in the Northern Hemisphere will see August as a hot, sunny month, those in the Southern Hemisphere – such as those in Brazil, South Africa and Australia – will see it as the end of their winters. Therefore, it’s likely to be fairly cold, at least from their points of view!
8. It’s time to bring in the crops.
August is famous for being the ‘harvest month’ in many cultures – as it’s likely the best time to bring up crops from fields having spent the summers growing solidly.
9. It’s a big month for odd celebrations.
August is a ‘national month’ for many things – as well as being host to many national holidays. It’s known for being both ‘National Catfish Month’ as well as ‘National Water Quality Month’.
10. Scandals abound in August.
It was during August that US President Richard Nixon resigned as a result of the Watergate scandal.
11. Striking it lucky!
August 1896 also saw the start of the Gold Rush in Alaska, as the precious metal was found in the Klondike River, up at Rabbit Creek.
12. Midsummer rum festivals are very popular.
Did you know, there’s a national rum day? Neither did we. Set a reminder in your calendar for the 16th August!
13. August saw the end of war.
The Second World War technically ended in August, with Japan surrendering to allied forces in 1945.
14. A timely invention!
It’s also the month in which Coca-Cola was first sold in the UK, in 1900. What better time for a cold drink!
15. Some nations celebrate independence in August.
August is an important month for residents of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as for Jamaicans. That’s because both countries have independence days in the summer month.
FAQ about August
What does ‘August’ actually mean?
The word ‘August’ derives from ‘Augustus’, which translates as ‘venerable’.
Is August a dangerous month?
In the US, there have been several natural disasters which have taken place in August - from droughts and tornadoes to flash floods and forest fires.
Do some people dislike August?
Despite August being amazingly sunny for much of the Northern Hemisphere, it is also the most humid month, which often makes breathing hard for many people.
Do you know any fun facts about August? Share them in the comments below!
Would you like to find out more about the months of the year? Look back with these facts about July, or forward with these fun facts about September…
