January - c. 1290, Ieneuer, from O.N.Fr. Genever (Fr. Janvier), attested from c.1120 in Anglo-Fr., from L. Januarius (mensis) "(the month) of Janus," to whom the month was sacred as the beginning of the year. The form was gradually Latinized by c.1400. Replaced O.E. geola se æfterra "Later Yule."