Etymological Origins of the Days of the Week: From Norse Gods to Celestial Bodies
By
Stefanie Schantl, M.A.
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Summary
This article explores the etymological origins of the days of the week, tracing their names back to ancient gods, celestial bodies, and cultural influences. It explains how English day names derive from Norse mythology (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), Roman gods (Saturday), and celestial bodies (Sunday, Monday), while also comparing these origins to other languages like Spanish, French, and German.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledThe names of the days of the week in English are a mix of Norse gods, Roman gods, and celestial bodies.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are all named after Norse gods: Tyr, Odin, Thor, and Frigg (or Freya).
Saturday is named after the Roman god Saturn, while Sunday and Monday are named after the Sun and Moon.
The English names for the days of the week come from a combination of Germanic, Norse, and Roman influences.
Different languages have different origins for their day names, reflecting their unique cultural and linguistic histories.
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