Saturday is an English given name derived from the English word for the day of the week, which comes from Old English Sæternesdæġ meaning "Saturn's day". The name is most commonly found in English-speaking African countries, where day names are frequently used as personal names.
Etymology
The Roman name for the day was diēs Sāturnī ("Saturn's Day"), named after the god Saturn. This Latin term was borrowed into Old English as Sæternesdæġ, which later evolved into the modern English Saturday. The planet Saturn, associated with the deity, was also thought to rule the first hour of this day, as recorded by ancient astrologers such as Vettius Valens.
The seven-day week originated in Judaism and was eventually adopted by the Roman Empire under Christian influence, replacing the earlier eight-day Roman cycle. The day’s astrological order was explained in the works of Dio Cassius and Chaucer.
Cultural Significance
While predominantly used as a weekday name in the United Kingdom, the traditions of day-naming are particularly strong in English-speaking Africa, such as Ghana and Nigeria, where children are often named after the day of their birth. Saturday therefore fits within this cultural practice, though it remains uncommon in other regions.
Related Names
The name Saturday is related to
Saturn, via its etymological roots. Its ultimate layer goes further back to the root Jupiter through the Indo-European Sky Father *Dyēws.
- Meaning: Day of Saturn
- Origin: English, via Latin Saturnus
- Type: Given name (rare)
- Predominant Usage: English-speaking Africa
Roots
Sources: Wikipedia — Saturday