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 moon, known as Buck Moon, peaked on the night of Thursday, July 10. But the moon will remain full, to the naked eye, for a few more days.

July’s full moon, known as the “buck moon,” put on a show for viewers by sitting unusually low on the horizon on July 10. It was the farthest full moon from the sun in 2025. The name “buck moon” is in reference to male deer,