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.

The nickname buck moon refers to male deer, known as bucks, according to Old Farmer's Almanac. The July full moon is known as the buck moon as male deer antlers reach (or come close to reaching) full growth.