The Old Farmer's Almanac, which began publishing full moon names in the 1930s, says some Native American tribes called July's full moon the "buck moon" because it occurs in early summer, when male deer (bucks) typically begin growing new antlers covered in velvety fur.

July’s full ‘Buck Moon’ rises close to aphelion, making it the furthest full moon from the sun in 2025. The July full moon, known as the 'Buck Moon' will rise on Wednesday, July 10 and put on a spectacular show for both stargazers and astrophotographers alike.

July’s full moon is called "the Buck Moon” because in July, velvet antler growth, called antlerogenesis, makes an older buck’s rack often very noticeable and actually at its peak growth rate.