"isle of apples"
Avalon
Pronunciation: [ AV-uhl-ahn ]
The legendary Celtic isle of eternal apples
Meaning & Origin
"otherworldly paradise"
The Story of Avalon
Avalon comes from the Celtic word 'abal' meaning apple, making it literally 'the isle of apples.' In Arthurian legend, Avalon is the mystical island paradise where King Arthur was taken after his final battle, said to be a place of eternal youth and healing. The name appears in Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century Historia Regum Britanniae as the resting place of the legendary king.
Avalon has seen steady growth in the 21st century as parents seek names that feel both timeless and enchanting. The fantasy genre's resurgence and the popularity of Arthurian-themed stories in film and TV have contributed to its appeal.
In Welsh and Celtic mythology, Avalon represents the Otherworld — a paradise beyond death. The name carries a deeply spiritual resonance in Celtic cultures and has long been associated with mystery, magic, and feminine power through figures like Morgan le Fay.
Fun Facts
- Avalon appears in Arthurian legend as the place where Excalibur was forged
- The name Afallon in Welsh literally means 'place of apples'
- Avalon, California is the only incorporated city on Catalina Island
Avalon in Other Languages
Famous People Named Avalon
Avalon
Musician
1995
Contemporary pop artist using the single name Avalon
Frankie Avalon
Musician
1939
American pop singer and actor famous in the late 1950s and early 1960s
Avalon (Arthurian) Fictional
Other
The mystical island in Arthurian legend where King Arthur was taken after his final battle
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,612
- Total SSA Count
- 130
- Cultural Origins
- English Welsh French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Avalon is also used as a boy name, ranked #8464.
View Avalon as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Avalon
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About the Name Avalon
Avalon is a girl name with English, Welsh, and French origins . The name means "isle of apples" in Celtic .
Is Avalon a boy or girl name? Avalon is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,612 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #8,464. Avalon is more commonly used as a girl name.
Avalon is currently ranked #1,612 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Avalon has 3 syllables and is pronounced AV-uhl-ahn, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Avalon include Ava and Avie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Avalon include Avalynn, Avalyn, Avaleigh, Avalee, Avalina . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.