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The month May was named for the Greek goddess Maia, who was identified with the Roman era goddess of fertility, Bona Dea, whose festival was held in May.

Conversely, the Roman poet Ovid provides a second etymology, in which he says that the month of May is named for the maiores, Latin for " elders ," and that the following month ( June ) is named for the iuniores, or " young people " ( Fasti VI. 88 ).