aprilis

Aprilis is the Latin name for the fourth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, corresponding to April in English. In classical and ecclesiastical Latin, Aprilis is used as the month name; the English word April ultimately derives from this Latin form.

The exact origin of Aprilis is uncertain. The name is commonly thought to derive from either aperire, the Latin verb meaning to open (referencing spring flowers), or from a root related to a goddess such as Aphrodite in Greek tradition, transmitted through Latin. A range of ancient explanations exists, and consensus is lacking.

Aprilis has 30 days in the modern calendars. In the early Roman calendar the year began in March, but after calendar reforms it became the fourth month. In Latin dating, events are often noted as die Kalendae Aprilis (the first day of April) or Idūs Aprilis (the thirteenth).

The name gives rise to Romance-language forms such as aprile (Italian), abril (Spanish), avril (French), and aprilie (Romanian), while English retains April. In the Northern Hemisphere, Aprilis is associated with spring; well-known observances occurring in April include April Fools’ Day on the first and Earth Day on April 22.