Vulcan
/ˈvʌlkən/noun
In Roman religion, the god of fire, metalworking, and the forge.
Did you know?Vulcan’s name became so tied to fire and eruption that English later formed “volcano” from the island of Vulcano, which people associated with his forge-like power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Vulcānus
“The Roman god of fire, destructive heat, and metalworking.”
Pre-Roman / Etruscan?
Unknown
Volcanus / Vulcanus
“A deity name of uncertain origin, later absorbed into Roman religion.”
Late Latin
Latin
Vulcanus
“The fire god’s name, increasingly associated with heat and burning.”
16th Century
Italian
vulcano
“The island of Vulcano and, by extension, a fiery mountain or eruption.”
16th Century
English
vulcan
“A name for the Roman fire god, later used poetically for a smith or fiery force.”