Avril
/a.vʁil/noun
The French word for April, also used as a personal name in English and French.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, April was associated with Venus, whose festival Veneralia was celebrated on April 1; however, the month’s name may derive from the Etruscan name Apru for Aphrodite or from Latin aperire, “to open.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Etruscan period
Etruscan
Apru
“A possible Etruscan name for Aphrodite, often proposed as a source for the month name, though the connection remains uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Aphroditē
“Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty; a possible cultural association behind the Etruscan form Apru.”
1st Century BCE–CE
Latin
Aprilis
“The Roman name for April; its origin is disputed, with proposed links to Apru or to aperire, “to open.””
9th–13th Century
Old French
Avril
“The French form of April, developed from Latin Aprilis through regular sound changes.”
Modern French
French
avril
“April, the fourth month of the year.”
Modern English
English
Avril
“A personal name borrowed from the French month name, notably associated with the English-speaking singer Avril Lavigne.”