Full Moon Names – Traditional and Alternative

by Farmers' Almanac Staff Updated: November 22, 2023

Full Moon names have an intriguing history that traces back to the rich traditions of Native American tribes in North America. These tribes had a unique way of honoring the changing seasons by assigning special names to each full Moon, which captured the essence of an entire month.

While there might have been some slight variations across different tribes, a strong sense of consistency prevailed throughout the regions. And when European settlers arrived, they embraced this beautiful custom, adding their own versions to the timeline of history. Here’s a closer look at the captivating traditional and alternative names for each month’s full Moon.

When is the next Full Moon? See our calendar with dates and times!

January – Full Wolf Moon And Alternative Names

The January full Moon is known as the Wolf Moon. It occurs during the cold winter nights in the Northern Hemisphere when the ground is frozen and snow is blowing in the wind. Different native peoples in the United States have their own ways to describe this Moon, reflecting the cold nature of the month. We explain what these others are as well as where as they came from.

February– Full Snow Moon And Alternative Names

The February full Moon has various names among Native American tribes, such as the Full Snow Moon, Snow Blinding Moon, Hunger Moon, Bony Moon, and Little Famine Moon. Learn where and why this month’s Moon was named after the cold precipitation of winter.

March – Full Worm Moon And Alternative Names

The March full Moon most often known as the Full Worm Moon. Northern American Indian tribes also refer to it as the Crow Moon, as the cawing of crows marks the end of winter. Learn more about spring’s Moon names and where they came from.

April – Full Pink Moon And Alternative Names

The April full Moon, also known as the “Pink Moon,” symbolizes the hopeful return of life and nature’s resurgence following the winter’s dormancy. Its arrival marks the vibrant arrival of spring. Across different cultures, this first spring full Moon carries various titles. Learn why it is called the “Pink Moon” and what other names it goes by.

May – Full Flower Moon And Alternative Names

The May full Moon signifies the arrival of spring in various regions of North America, serving as a gateway to the warm and sunlit days of summer. It is commonly referred to as the “Flower Moon” due to the blooming abundance of flowers, offering a sneak peek of Mother Nature’s forthcoming marvels. However, this extraordinary Moon possesses a multitude of other names across diverse cultures, enhancing its enchantment and allure . . .

June – Full Strawberry Moon And Alternative Names

June full Moon is often referred to as the “Strawberry Moon” due to its reddish color, which is similar to the color of strawberries. This nickname is believed to have originated in Europe, although it has become more widely known in recent years. Other cultures also have some enticing names for this months full Moon including . . .

July – Full Buck Moon And Alternative Names

The July full Moon arrives amidst flourishing nature. This is the time when crops are either maturing or starting to be gathered. In the beginning of the month, the annual tradition of picking fresh strawberries comes to a close, while people in the Midwest eagerly check if the corn has reached its desired height by the Fourth of July. However, have you ever wondered why the July full Moon is commonly referred to as the “Buck Moon”? Additionally, how is this summer Moon known by different names across various cultures?

August – Full Sturgeon Moon And Alternative Names

The August full Moon is known as the “Sturgeon Moon.” Its name derives from the bountiful fishing, especially of lake sturgeon during the late summer months. In addition, this Moon goes by various other names, each rooted in different cultures, showcasing the abundance of the season.

September – Full Harvest Moon And Alternative Names

September’s full Moon heralds a time of reaping what has been sown during the spring. After months of basking in the nourishing rays of the Sun, it is now the season to store grains and preserve fruits and vegetables. However the moniker “Harvest Moon” doesn’t always occur in September.

October – Full Hunter’s Moon And Alternative Names

The October full Moon is truly fascinating, as it carries with it the enigmatic allure of Halloween and the captivating essence of late autumn. Yet, beyond the common associations of ghosts and goblins on a single day, October’s “Hunter’s Moon” holds a myriad of other intriguing connections and names.

November – Full Beaver Moon And Alternative Names

The November full Moon signals the arrival of winter, with the first snowfall in the northern US and Canada. As the trees shed their leaves and frost collects on the grass, beavers busy themselves constructing their dams before the ground freezes. This captivating full Moon reminds us that it’s time to prepare for the impending winter ahead.

December – Full Cold Moon And Alternative Names

The December full Moon graces us with its presence as winter takes hold, casting a mesmerizing glow upon the frozen landscape and amplifying the serene stillness of the season. Known affectionately as the “Cold Moon,” this celestial spectacle signifies more than just plummeting temperatures, holding a deeper meaning that captures our fascination.