Speedwell
/ˈspiːd.wɛl/noun
A common name for plants in the genus Veronica, especially small blue-flowered herbs.
Did you know?The name is from the phrase “speed well,” where *speed* once meant “prosper” or “succeed,” so the flower’s name is basically an old-fashioned blessing rather than a botanical description.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
spēd
“prosperity, success, good fortune”
Middle English
ME
speed
“to prosper, succeed, or cause to succeed”
Middle English
ME
wel
“well, in a good state; also used in blessings and good wishes”
16th Century
English
speedwell
“a phrase used as a parting wish, then applied as a name for the plant”
Modern English
English
speedwell
“a flowering plant of the genus Veronica”