January Birthdays Signs Symbols, Celebrities & Birthday Ideas

There's something magical about being born in January. It’s the start of a new year, filled with fresh opportunities and the excitement of turning another page in your life. If your birthday (or someone special's) is in January, it’s a fantastic time to celebrate in style. To celebrate those special January birthdays we explore everything about January birthdays, from zodiac signs to famous celebrities, and even unique birthday card ideas. 

Click on the jump links to get where you want to, or just scroll down for a five minute read with your cuppa...

January Birthday Zodiac Sign

If you were born in January, your zodiac sign is either Capricorn or Aquarius, depending on your birthdate. Capricorns (December 22nd - January 19th) are known for their practicality and determination, while Aquarians (January 20th - February 18th) are creative, innovative, and a bit rebellious. Which of these unique energies guides your journey?

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January Birthstone(s)

Symbolism and History of Garnet

The garnet has a rich history, symbolising friendship, love, and trust. It’s believed that garnets were used as early as the Bronze Age, prized for their beauty and thought to offer protection to travellers. Roman soldiers wore garnet talismans, while in the Middle Ages, garnets were thought to heal inflammatory illnesses and soothe a worried mind.

January Birthstone Meaning

Garnets are often associated with strength and safety, making them a perfect symbol for the start of a new year. They’re believed to inspire personal confidence, shield from negativity, and ignite passion—whether in romance or any personal pursuit.

January Birthstone Colour

The January birthstone colour is typically a rich, deep red, symbolising warmth, loyalty, and passion. Its fiery glow makes it a standout piece for jewellery, perfect for brightening up the colder January days.

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January Birth Flower

January’s birth flowers are the carnation and the snowdrop—each offering a unique perspective on the month’s beauty. Carnations represent admiration, love, and distinction, while snowdrops are symbols of hope and renewal, appearing as the first flowers after a long winter.

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January Birthday Celebrities: Famous Birthdays in January

Here are some fun facts for people born in January - after all it's great to hear who else shares your birthday month! January boasts an impressive line-up of famous people. Let’s spotlight a few of them:

• UK: Kate Middleton (January 9th, 1982): The Duchess of Cambridge and a beloved figure in the British Royal Family.
• UK: Isaac Newton (January 4th, 1643): Renowned mathematician, physicist, and astronomer who helped define the laws of physics.
• USA: Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15th, 1929): Civil rights leader famous for his "I Have a Dream" speech.
• USA: Michelle Obama (January 17th, 1964): Lawyer, author, and former First Lady known for her advocacy on health and education.

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January Celebrities by Date

January 1st - January 31st

If you or your friends or family members with January birthdays love everything to do with celebrities, here are a few with January birthdays by date, so you can let them know who they share their special day with. There are two names per date, one from the UK (where we can!) and one from the USA, showcasing their most famous achievements:

January Celebrities by Date

January 1st

• UK: Morrisey - Lead singer of The Smiths, known for hits like "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out."
• USA: Verne Troyer - Famous for playing Mini-Me in the Austin Powers films.

January 2nd

• USA: Kate Bosworth - Actress known for her role in "Blue Crush."
• USA: Cuba Gooding Jr. - Actor acclaimed for his performance in "Jerry Maguire."

January 3rd

• UK: J.R.R. Tolkien - Author of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
• USA: Mel Gibson - Actor and director known for "Braveheart."

January 4th

• UK: Isaac Newton - Mathematician and physicist who formulated the laws of motion.
• USA: Dyan Cannon - Actress known for "Heaven Can Wait."

January 5th

• USA: Diane Keaton - Actress known for "Annie Hall."
• USA: Robert Duvall - Actor acclaimed for "The Godfather."

January 6th

• UK: Rowan Atkinson - Comedian famous for "Mr. Bean."
• USA: Norman Reedus - Actor known for "The Walking Dead."

January 7th

• USA: Nicholas Cage - Actor known for "Leaving Las Vegas."
• USA: Katie Couric - Journalist and television host.

January 8th

• UK: David Bowie - Iconic musician known for "Space Oddity."
• USA: Elvis Presley - The "King of Rock and Roll."

January 9th

• UK: Kate Middleton - The Duchess of Cambridge.
• USA: Richard Nixon - 37th President of the United States.

January 10th

• UK: Rod Stewart - Singer known for "Maggie May."
• USA: Pat Benatar - Rock singer famous for "Hit Me with Your Best Shot."

January 11th

• USA: Mary J. Blige - Singer known for "Family Affair."
• USA: Alexander Hamilton - Founding Father of the United States.

January 12th

• UK: Zayn Malik - Singer and former member of One Direction.
• USA: Jeff Bezos - Founder of Amazon.

January 13th

• UK: Orlando Bloom - Actor known for "Pirates of the Caribbean."
• USA: Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Actress famous for "Seinfeld."

January 14th

• UK: Emily Watson - Actress known for "Breaking the Waves."
• USA: LL Cool J - Rapper and actor known for "NCIS: Los Angeles."

January 15th

• USA: Skrillex - DJ and music producer.
• USA: Martin Luther King Jr. - Civil rights leader.

January 16th

• UK: Kate Moss - Supermodel.
• USA: Lin-Manuel Miranda - Creator of "Hamilton."

January 17th

• USA: James Earl Jones - Actor known for voicing Darth Vader.
• USA: Michelle Obama - Former First Lady of the United States.

January 18th

• UK: Cary Grant - Actor known for "North by Northwest."
• USA: Kevin Costner - Actor known for "Dances with Wolves."

January 19th

• USA: Dolly Parton (born in the USA) - Country singer known for "Jolene."
• USA: Edgar Allan Poe - Writer known for "The Raven."

January 20th

• UK: Gary Barlow - Singer-songwriter from Take That.
• USA: Buzz Aldrin - Astronaut, second person to walk on the moon.

January 21st

• UK: Emma Bunton - Singer from the Spice Girls.
• USA: Geena Davis - Actress known for "Thelma & Louise."

January 22nd

• USA: Steve Perry (born in the USA) - Lead singer of Journey.
• USA: Diane Lane - Actress known for "Unfaithful."

January 23rd

• Monaco: Princess Caroline of Monaco - Royalty.
• USA: Mariska Hargitay - Actress known for "Law & Order: SVU."

January 24th

• USA: Mischa Barton (born in the UK but raised in the USA) - Actress known for "The O.C."
• USA: Neil Diamond - Singer known for "Sweet Caroline."

January 25th

• USA: Alicia Keys - Singer known for "Fallin'."
• USA: Virginia Woolf - Author known for "Mrs Dalloway."

January 26th

• USA / Netherlands: Eddie Van Halen - Guitarist of Van Halen.
• USA: Ellen DeGeneres - Comedian and talk show host.

January 27th

• UK: Lewis Carroll - Author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
• USA: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Composer.

January 28th

• USA: Elijah Wood - Actor known for "The Lord of the Rings."
• USA: Nick Carter - Singer from the Backstreet Boys.

January 29th

• USA: Tom Selleck - Actor known for "Magnum, P.I."
• USA: Oprah Winfrey - Talk show host and media mogul.

January 30th

• USA: Christian Bale - Actor known for "The Dark Knight."
• USA: Phil Collins - Musician known for "In the Air Tonight."

January 31st

• USA: Justin Timberlake - Singer and actor.
• USA: Portia de Rossi - Actress known for "Arrested Development."

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Fun Facts About January Birthdays

People born in January are said to be ambitious, natural leaders, and full of creativity. Did you know that more doctors are born in January than any other month? January birthdays are also statistically more likely to live to 100—must be that fresh start energy!

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Historical Events in January

January isn’t just about birthdays—it's also full of historical milestones. For example, the first iPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs on January 9th, 2007, revolutionising the way we communicate. Also, Australia Day is celebrated on January 26th. And for a lighter note, did you know that National Popcorn Day falls on January 19th?

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January Birthday Card Ideas

For someone celebrating a birthday in January, why not design a card featuring a garnet gemstone or snowdrops as a theme? You could also reference their zodiac sign, with fun symbols of Capricorn’s mountain goat or Aquarius’s water bearer.

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DIY Birthday Card Ideas for January

If you want to add a personal touch, create a DIY card with winter motifs like snowflakes, or feature garnet-coloured glitter. Adding a playful illustration of a Capricorn or Aquarius can make it extra special.

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January Birthday Messages

 As well as our whole blog on birthday card messages, here are some January themed birthday messages just for you!

• "Happy Birthday to someone who is such a warm person for such a cold month!"
• "Happy birthday to a person as beautiful as the snowdrops blooming in January."
• "Happy birthday to my favourite Aquarian / Capricorn who makes the world a better place!"
• "Stay as warm and wonderful as a January winter night—happy birthday!"
• "Born in the first month of the year, maybe you were destined to be first in everything! Happy birthday."
• "Winter might be cold, but your birthday warms everyone’s hearts."
• "Happy birthday to a true original, born in the month of new beginnings."

 

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Winter Birthday Party Ideas

Winter birthdays call for cosy and fun celebrations. Why not host a snowflake-themed party, complete with blue and silver decorations, hot chocolate, and a "build-your-own snowman" activity? You could also create an indoor skating rink with a polished floor and socks for skating fun! Don’t forget warm, comfort foods like mac and cheese bites and plenty of marshmallow-topped treats.

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