Lyon
/liˈjɔ̃/noun
A major city in east-central France, historically important for trade, silk production, and Roman-era settlement.
Did you know?Lyon’s name comes from the Roman colony Lugdunum, often linked to the Celtic god Lugus, so the city’s identity is literally rooted in an ancient sacred hill-name.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Gaul
Gaulish
Lugdūnon
“Fortress or hill of Lugus, likely referring to a sacred or fortified place”
1st Century BCE
Latin
Lugdunum
“Romanized name of the settlement on the hill”
Late Latin
Latin
Lugdunensis
“Of or belonging to Lugdunum”
Medieval French
Old French
Lion / Lyon
“The city name gradually simplified in French pronunciation and spelling”
Modern English
English
Lyon
“The French city of Lyon”
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