Septiembre vs setiembre

Question

I was wondering about what the difference is between septiembre and setiembre as they both mean September. The only thing that I found in previous forum discussions was this brief mention from someone asking this question, but no replies.

http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/show/7302/P15/

Is it merely based on preference? Or is it based on national origen similar to the spellings of Méjico and México'

Answer 1

"Setiembre" is an alternative way of saying "septiembre", both accepted (in Spain we use mainly the latter).
"México" is the 15th century spelling of this city, when the Spanish "j" sound was represented with an "x" (as in "Quijote" written "Quixote") in all Spanish speaking countries. "Méjico" is the modern spelling following the modern conventions, but Mexicans prefer to use the original spelling, treasuring it as part of their heritage.

Answer 2

I resist using "setiembre". Even though I know is correct, I think it sounds awful.

Wow! I didn't even know it was correct. I've always spell it "Septiembre" in Spanish. Every year my dad sends me the "Libro Almanaque ESCUELA PARA TODOS", I find the 2 forms of spelling on the book and it drives me crazy! I guess we have to live with it. - MGAVIDIA, Jan 18, 2011