Avalon
/ˈæv.ə.lɒn/noun
A legendary island in Arthurian legend, associated with healing, magic, and the resting place of King Arthur.
Did you know?The name of Avalon is usually linked to a Brittonic word for “apple,” which fits its ancient image as a magical island of abundance and healing.
Etymological Timeline
12th Century
Latin
Avalon
“A legendary island in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Arthurian history, a place of healing and enchantment.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
Avalun / Avallon
“Arthurian island-name in romance tradition, often treated as a wondrous otherworld.”
Brittonic
Brittonic
aballo-
“A word meaning “apple,” likely the source of the island name.”
Proto-Celtic
PCelt
abalnā
““Apple tree” or “apple orchard,” an ancestral Celtic form behind the island-name.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
h₂ébōl- / h₂ébōl-?
“A proposed ancient root connected to apples; the exact reconstruction is uncertain.”