The full moon in July is often referred to as the Buck Moon because it occurs at the time of year when new antlers push out of the foreheads on buck deer coated with velvety fur.

This full moon is also referred to as Thunder Moon because of the frequency of summer thunder storms, or Hay Moon for the first hay crop of the season.

Some Buddhists refer to the July full moon as Esala Poya, while Hindus may call it Guru Purnima.