20 Fascinating Facts You Didn't Know About August Babies
They are known for possessing leadership qualities and lots of optimism.
August is a cheerful month full of beach days, family vacations, and plenty of outdoor parties to round out the summer. As it turns out, babies who are born during this month tend to be quite cheerful themselves, carrying a bright outlook and sunny disposition throughout the year. When you consider all the August baby facts below, it’s easy to see why they have a lot to be happy about.
Being born in August means having a Leo or Virgo zodiac sign, which are associated with desirable qualities such as leadership, kindness and respectively. It also means sharing a birth month with many celebrities and US presidents, and having a birthday during some of nature’s finest offerings, from abundant harvests to spectacular stargazing. Read on to learn more interesting facts about folks born in the month of August.
Their zodiac sign is either Leo or Virgo.
Those born between August 1 and August 22 are Leos, who are known for being natural born leaders with many attractive traits, including generosity, creativity and warm-heartedness. Birthdays between August 23 and August 31 fall under the Virgo sign. Virgos stand out for their kindness and “deep sense of humanity,” as well as their hardworking and practical nature.
Their birth flowers are the gladiolus and the poppy.
Per The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the gladiolus and the poppy both “share rich symbolism tied to remembrance.” Gladiolus is a colorful flower that symbolizes “strength, victory, healing, and honor.” Poppies are best known for their bright red hue, and are often used to memorialize those lost during times of war.
Their birth stones are peridot, spinel, and sardonyx.
August has three birth stones, and according to the Gemological Institute of America, each has a unique history. Peridot has been valued since medieval times, and is known for forming under rare geological conditions. Spinel has been historically underappreciated, but today is becoming a popular alternative to rubies. Sardonyx is the most ancient of all the August stones, and was popular among Romans for making seals and signet rings.
They are born during the most popular birth month.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August has repeatedly stood out as the most common birth month. Recent data released shows that in 2023, August had the highest number of births at 322,000. This was followed by July at 312,000, October at 309,000, and September at 305,000.
They share a birth month with many trailblazers.
Given the leadership qualities that are associated with August birthdays, it’s no surprise that the month has produced some very influential individuals. Some noteworthy people born during this month include Martha Stewart (August 3), Neil Armstrong (August 5), Lucille Ball (August 6), Alfred Hitchcock (August 13), Julia Child (August 15), Madonna (August 16), and Coco Chanel (August 19).
They are born during National Wellness Month.
Though August has no federal holidays, it is known as National Wellness Month and is a time to make self-care a priority. Depending on your personal definition of self-care, this might mean participating in some of the month’s related holidays, including National Girlfriends Day (August 1), National Book Lovers Day (August 9), National Lazy Day (August 10), and National Relaxation Day (August 15).
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They are likely to be born big and to grow tall.
In a 2015 study in the UK and Ireland, researchers found that babies born during the summer months of June, July, and August had higher birth weights and taller adult heights. The findings suggest that in utero exposure to vitamin D, which is important for bone development, may play a role in overall growth.
They are more likely to be optimists.
According to a study conducted by Hungarian researchers in 2014, summer babies tend to become upbeat adults. Summer birth months were correlated with a “hyperthemic temperament,” defined as “a tendency to be excessively positive,” and showed a lesser chance of developing mood disorders compared to those born during winter months.
They may possess presidential qualities.
Five US presidents were born in the month of August: Barack Obama (August 4), Herbert Hoover (August 10), Bill Clinton (August 19), Benjamin Harris (August 20), and Lyndon B. Johnson (August 27). August is the third most presidential month overall, with only October and November having the a higher number of presidents (both have six).
They are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
Drawing from a database of children born between 2007 and 2009, a study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that August babies were more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis. The study factored in school enrollment cut-offs, where children had to be five years old by September 1 in order to attend kindergarten, making the August babies the youngest in their classes. This suggests the possibility that some August babies are misdiagnosed due to their young age and relative immaturity.
Their birthdays are an excellent time to stargaze.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac says that August is one of the best months to see shooting stars. An especially spectacular stargazing event, the Perseid meteor shower, reaches its maximum during this month between August 11 and 13. It starts in July and can remain visible until August 22, so don’t forget to check out the sky throughout the month.
They are more likely to consider themselves lucky.
A UK study in 2005 found that, across all genders and age groups in their sample, summer babies had a “significantly higher belief in being lucky” as compared to those born during the winter months. In the study, women tended to score higher on believing in positive outcomes, and men tended to score higher on not dwelling on failures. Either way, this birth month is associated with a greater peace of mind than others.
They are born during a very bountiful time of year.
August celebrations are bound to be filled with delicious food, considering all the fruits and vegetables that are ripe for the picking. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, summer squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon, corn, eggplant, peaches, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers are in season at this time throughout most of the country.
They could be more likely to get the flu.
In an episode of Freakonomics, M.D., researchers detail an unexpected reason as to why summer babies are more likely to get the flu. It boils down to the fact that most children have an annual doctor’s appointment around the time of their birthday, and flu shots usually aren't ready by August. The inconvenience of making another appointment means that summer babies end up less likely than fall babies to get a shot, and therefore 15% more likely to get the flu. In other words, make sure to get that appointment booked!
They are great hosts who love company.
According to Apartment Therapy, people born in August are more apt to have company over than other birth months. They are natural born hosts, “so they spend a lot of time making their home into a clean, warm, welcoming environment.” This means that when it’s time to socialize, you can count on an August baby to provide a comfortable space.
Their birth month celebrates pets.
Animal lovers have special reason to celebrate in August, since the month includes two major pet-related holidays: International Cat Day on August 8 and National Dog Day on August 26. Other minor holidays related to animals this month include Spoil Your Dog Day (August 10), Clear the Shelters Day (August 16), and International Black Cat Day (August 17).
Their Celtic birth tree is the Hazel.
In the Celtic tree calendar, birthdays between August 5 and August 31 fall under the Hazel tree sign. In Celtic mythology, Hazel trees are associated with divine knowledge, and the month of August is therefore associated with wisdom and creativity. People born during this time are thought in the Celtic tradition to be deeply thoughtful and particularly insightful.
Their birth month is known for celebrating warm weather.
While all the summer months are associated with vacations and outdoor fun, August lays claim to several holidays that capitalize on the season. These include National Ice Cream Sandwich Day (August 2), National Watermelon Day (August 3), National Oyster Day (August 5), National Play In The Sand Day (August 11), National Beach Day (August 30), and National Eat Outside Day (August 31).
The bird associated with their birth month is the kingfisher.
You know about birth stones and flowers, but did you know that each month has a representative bird? The bird for August is the kingfisher, and per Birds & Blooms, these birds are fitting for August babies who enjoy the water. Kingfishers tend not to stray far from rivers, lakes, streams or swamps, and can be found throughout most of the US.
They are less likely to suffer from asthma or allergies.
A 2024 study conducted by Finnish researchers found that summer babies had the lowest risk of developing asthma or allergies in adulthood. This may be due to in utero exposure to Vitamin D and pollen, which could have long-term effects on immunity. It also means that people born in August have all the more reason to enjoy the outdoors during their birth month.
Sam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City. She’s been contributing to Woman’s Day for nearly five years, and covers a variety of topics from gifting, to health, and entertainment. Her work has additionally been featured in Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not writing or producing, you can find her binging her favorite Bravo shows or getting walked by her French Bulldog.
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