August Birthdays, signs, birthstones, celebrities, colours, flowers and more

August 11, 2024

August birthdays are the best! You get beautiful sunny days and warm, Summer evenings and may even get to go on holiday on your birthday. Win! Here are lots of things you might want to know about the month of August, from zodiac signs and birthstones to famous celebrity birthdays and fun facts. Use them to help you with birthday messages, gift ideas and generally planning the day.

Jump to the August facts and birthday ideas using the links below.

August Birthday Zodiac Sign

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Leo, with birthdays in July and August, and symbolised by the Lion, is known for its fiery energy and charismatic personality. Leos are natural leaders, enthusiastic, and enjoy being the centre of attention. They are ruled by the Sun, which bestows them with warmth and a sunny disposition.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Virgo, with both August to September birthdays, is represented by the Virgin, and is characterised by its analytical mind and attention to detail. Virgos are practical, diligent, and value order and cleanliness. They are ruled by Mercury, which gives them excellent communication skills and a logical approach to problem-solving.

August Birthstone

Symbolism and History of the Ruby

The ruby has long been associated with royalty and power. Historically, it was believed to protect warriors in battle and ensure safety and victory. It is also a symbol of passion, love, and energy.

August Birthstone Meaning

Rubies represent love, health, and wisdom. They are believed to enhance the wearer’s energy, concentration, and creativity.

August Birthstone Colour

The birthstone's deep red colour symbolises passion and vitality, often associated with the heart and blood, reflecting life force and courage.

August Birth Flower

Gladiolus

Known for their tall, striking appearance, gladiolus flowers symbolise strength, integrity, and infatuation. They are often associated with remembrance.

Poppy

Poppies are linked to sleep, peace, and death due to their sedative properties. However, they also symbolise imagination and eternal life, making them a multifaceted flower of August.

August Birthday Celebrities

UK

Dua Lipa (22 August 1995): Singer and songwriter.

Harry Styles (1 February 1994): Singer and actor.

US

Barack Obama (4 August 1961): 44th President of the United States.

Jennifer Lawrence (15 August 1990): Actress.

So, those are just a couple each, if you want to know celebrities born in August, by date, then read on!

Celebrities Born in August by Date

It's fun to know that a particular celebrity shares your birthday and it's just the thing to drop into that birthday text or scribble in a birthday card. To help you along, here's a list of celebrities by date for both the UK (where available) and US, so you have one to add, no matter which date the birthday is. How clever are you!

1st August:

US: Coolio - Rapper, Singer, and Actor; best known for his hit song "Gangsta's Paradise".

US: Jason Momoa - Actor; best known for his role as Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe.

2nd August:

US: Kevin Smith - Film Director; known for the movie "Clerks".

UK: Charli XCX - Singer and Songwriter; known for her hit song "Boom Clap".

3rd August:

US: Tom Brady - NFL Player; known for winning seven Super Bowl titles.

US: James Hetfield - Lead Vocalist of Metallica; known for the song "Enter Sandman".

4th August:

US: Greta Gerwig - Actress and Director; known for directing "Lady Bird".

US: Louis Armstrong - Jazz Musician; known for the song "What a Wonderful World".

5th August:

US: Neil Armstrong - Astronaut; first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.

US: Loni Anderson - Actress; known for her role in the TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati".

6th August:

US: Andy Warhol - Artist; known for his pop art, especially the Campbell's Soup Cans.

US: Geri Halliwell - Singer; known as Ginger Spice from the Spice Girls.

7th August:

South Africa: Charlize Theron - Actress; known for her role in "Monster".

US: David Duchovny - Actor; known for his role in "The X-Files".

8th August:

US: Dustin Hoffman - Actor; known for his role in "The Graduate".

Switzerland: Roger Federer - Tennis Player; known for winning 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

9th August:

US: Melanie Griffith - Actress; known for her role in "Working Girl".

US: Whitney Houston - Singer; known for her song "I Will Always Love You".

10th August:

Spain: Antonio Banderas - Actor; known for his role in "The Mask of Zorro".

US: Kylie Jenner - Reality TV Star; known for her cosmetics line, Kylie Cosmetics.

11th August:

US: Hulk Hogan - Wrestler; known for his time in WWE and the phrase "Hulkamania".

US: Chris Hemsworth - Actor; known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

12th August:

UK: Cara Delevingne - Model and Actress; known for her role in "Paper Towns".

US: Pete Sampras - Tennis Player; known for winning 14 Grand Slam singles titles.

13th August:

UK: Alfred Hitchcock - Film Director; known for directing "Psycho".

Cuba: Fidel Castro - Revolutionary and Politician; known for leading the Cuban Revolution.

14th August:

US: Halle Berry - Actress; known for her role in "Monster's Ball".

US: Magic Johnson - Basketball Player; known for leading the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships.

15th August:

US: Ben Affleck - Actor and Director; known for directing and starring in "Argo".

US: Jennifer Lawrence - Actress; known for her role in "The Hunger Games" series.

16th August:

US: Madonna - Singer; known for her song "Like a Virgin".

US: Steve Carell - Actor; known for his role in "The Office".

17th August:

US: Sean Penn - Actor; known for his role in "Mystic River".

US: Robert De Niro - Actor; known for his role in "Taxi Driver".

18th August:

US: Christian Slater - Actor; known for his role in "Heathers".

US: Edward Norton - Actor; known for his role in "Fight Club".

19th August:

US: Matthew Perry - Actor; known for his role as Chandler Bing in "Friends".

US: Bill Clinton - 42nd President of the United States; known for his presidency from 1993 to 2001.

20th August:

US: Amy Adams - Actress; known for her role in "Arrival".

US: Demi Lovato - Singer and Actress; known for her song "Sorry Not Sorry".

21st August:

Jamaica: Usain Bolt - Sprinter; known for holding the world record in the 100m and 200m sprints.

US: Kim Cattrall - Actress; known for her role in "Sex and the City".

22nd August:

US: Tori Amos - Singer; known for her song "Cornflake Girl".

US: Kristen Wiig - Actress and Comedian; known for her work on "Saturday Night Live".

23rd August:

US: River Phoenix - Actor; known for his role in "Stand by Me".

US: Kobe Bryant - Basketball Player; known for his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

24th August:

UK: Rupert Grint - Actor; known for his role as Ron Weasley in the "Harry Potter" series.

US: Ava DuVernay - Film Director; known for directing "Selma".

25th August:

UK: Sean Connery - Actor; known for his role as James Bond.

US: Blake Lively - Actress; known for her role in "Gossip Girl".

26th August:

North Macedonia: Mother Teresa - Nun and Missionary; known for her humanitarian work and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

US: Macaulay Culkin - Actor; known for his role in "Home Alone".

27th August:

US: Paul Reubens - Actor; known for his character Pee-wee Herman.

US: Sarah Chalke - Actress; known for her role in "Scrubs".

28th August:

Canada: Shania Twain - Singer; known for her song "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!".

US: Jack Black - Actor and Musician; known for his role in "School of Rock".

29th August:

US: Michael Jackson - Singer; known for his album "Thriller".

US: Lea Michele - Actress and Singer; known for her role in "Glee".

30th August:

US: Cameron Diaz - Actress; known for her role in "There's Something About Mary".

US: Warren Buffett - Businessman; known as one of the most successful investors in the world.

31st August:

US: Richard Gere - Actor; known for his role in "Pretty Woman".

US: Chris Tucker - Actor and Comedian; known for his role in "Rush Hour".

Fun Facts About August Birthdays

For fans of Zodiac star signs, the August star signs predict that people born in August are often natural leaders. They are likely to excel in sports due to their strong competitive spirit. Many famous actors, musicians, and politicians are born in August.

August was originally named Sextilis: In the early Roman calendar, August was the sixth month and was called Sextilis. It was later renamed in honour of Augustus Caesar.
The Dog Days of Summer: The phrase "Dog Days of Summer" refers to the hottest days of the year, typically in late July and August, and is named after the Dog Star, Sirius.
Perseid Meteor Shower: August is known for the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks around mid-month and is one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year.

Historical Events in August

August 8, 1963: The Great Train Robbery: In England, one of the most famous heists took place when a gang stole £2.6 million from a Royal Mail train. The event inspired numerous films and books.
15 August 1947: India gained independence from Britain.
August 25, 1835: The Great Moon Hoax: The New York Sun published a series of articles claiming the discovery of life on the moon, including unicorns and bat-like humanoids. This became one of the most famous newspaper hoaxes in history.
28 August 1963: Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

August Birthday Card Ideas

For themes of independence, freedom, and celebration: Card Design: Fireworks and flags, reminiscent of independence celebrations. DIY Ideas: Use red, white, and blue colours, with elements like stars, flags, and historical quotes.

DIY Birthday Card Ideas for August

Incorporate themes of summer with vibrant colours, beach, and floral designs. Use symbols like the sun, Leo and Virgo zodiac signs, or the ruby gemstone. Include quotes or references to historical events and famous people born in August, much of which you can find on this page!

August Birthday Messages

"Happy Birthday, Leo/Virgo! May your year be as bright as the August sun."
"Wishing you a birthday filled with love and laughter, just like a summer's day."
"August babies are the best! Celebrate in style and enjoy every moment."
"Here's to a fantastic year ahead, filled with joy, success, and all your heart's desires."
"Wishing a spectacular birthday to someone who brings sunshine into every day."
"Happy Birthday! May your life be as passionate and rich as the colour of a ruby."
"August birthdays are the best! Hope you have lots of fun and excitement in the August sun and warm evenings."
"Hope you have an amazing birthday! May your special day be filled with all the things you love and beautiful August sunshine."
"Wishing you an unforgettable August birthday and a fantastic year ahead!"

Summer Birthday Party Ideas

Decorations: Use bright, sunny colours, beach themes, and floral decorations. Food: Serve refreshing beverages, fruit platters, BBQ, and ice cream. Games: Organise outdoor games like volleyball, water balloon fights, and scavenger hunts.

International Left-Handers Day is celebrated on August 13th, honouring the uniqueness of left-handed individuals, who make up about 10% of the population. So why not make some left handed only games up? Seems like a good excuse, yes?

August 08, 2024