featured image of weekday names in english

Origins Behind Weekday Names in English

by Edwin CañasTuesday, July 22 2025

Have you ever stopped to wonder why we call it Tuesday or Thursday

The names of the days of the week aren’t random, they’re steeped in ancient mythology, celestial bodies, and centuries-old languages. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating origins behind each weekday name and uncover the cultural stories that shaped our modern calendar.

The Origins Behind English Weekday Names

illustration of weekday names in english

1. Sunday

Comes from the Old English Sunnandæg, meaning “Sun’s day.” 

It was named after the Sun, which ancient people worshipped as a powerful celestial being.

2. Monday

Monday is derived from Monandæg, or “Moon’s day.” 

It reflects the tradition of naming days after celestial bodies, just like Sunday.

3. Tuesday

Tuesday originates from Tiw’s Day, named after Tiw (or Tyr), the Norse god of war. 

This mirrors the Roman tradition of associating the day with Mars, their god of war.

4. Wednesday

This day is named after Woden (or Odin), the chief Norse god. 

The name reflects the deep mythological roots of the Germanic and Norse traditions in the English language.

5. Thursday

Thursday honors Thor, the Norse god of thunder. 

His strength and association with storms made him a fitting figure to represent this powerful day.

6. Friday

Friday comes from Frigg, the Norse goddess of love and beauty. 

She is often linked to Venus, the Roman goddess tied to the same themes.

7. Saturday

This day stands out as the only day that keeps its Roman name, Saturn’s day

Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture and time, giving this day a distinct classical heritage.

Conclusion

The days of the week are living pieces of history, tied to gods, planets, and ancient civilizations. 

Now that you know their origins, you’ll never look at your weekly planner the same way again.

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Edwin Cañas

Edwin Cañas

Founder of EZClass

Edwin Cañas is an expert in e-learning, leadership, and educational technology. As COREnglish’s Director of Operations and founder of EZClass, he strives to make learning more engaging and accessible. He also co-authored the "How to Master Grammar for Beginners (Spanish Edition)" book to help Spanish learners master English with ease.

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