
Word History is a weekly 15 minute etymology podcast by Etymoleon, dedicated to uncovering the history behind words and names. Each episode unveils the journey of words and their connections to various languages such as Old English, Ancient Greek, Latin, Old French, Proto-Germanic and many more. Episodes also highlight historical events related to the topic and terms explored.
Earlier episodes we... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 106 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | History | |||

This podcast returns late January 2026. This episode begins with why Christmas carols were banned in the 17th century, and how the word carol comes from a French term for a dance performed by singers. Words like ditty, jingle and number are all used ... more
This time we're getting into terms of etiquette and the origins of certain expected behaviours, starting with the word etiquette itself, which shares a root with ticket because rules of behaviour were once written on small tabs. There are many theori... more
This episode marks St Andrew's Day by looking at the origins of terms linked to Scottish dialects. It begins with the etymologies of Scotland and other historical names for the region, including Caledonia and Alba. The episode also examines the vario... more
This episode looks at names that work across cultures, names that sound alike but emerge from entirely different linguistic roots. It opens with demographic data from the USA and from England and Wales that helps explain why many parents now seek nam... more
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Come on. Use a real person please.
Easy to engage with, fascinating content, bite-sized chunks. Great insights into etymology.
Hi. Your podcast is so great! I only discovered it a few days ago. I have to keep stopping play so I can soak everything in! So much information! It's amazing. I love etymology!
I came to this podcast hoping for an interesting take on the origins of the words we use. I left it looking for my slippers and wishing I owned a hammock. Tracing where our words came from is indeed an interesting prospect, but this particular presentation of said topic, delivered in an all-too-familiar British sing-song style, as if the presenter was reading an ingredient label, left me wanting less. Much less. In fact, I’m sure the attendant on my last domestic flight delivered the obligatory ... more
I’ve always enjoyed the study of history through word origins, or at hemology. This podcast is a real treat for anyone who enjoys the history of the English language as I do. It’s fun, and just the right length.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #207 | |
Apple Podcasts | #236 | |
Apple Podcasts | #245 |
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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| Interests | Professions | Age Range | |||
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This podcast offers a concise weekly look into the fascinating world of etymology, focusing on the origins and historical context of various words and names. Each 15-minute episode explores a different topic, drawing connections to languages such as Old English, Ancient Greek, and Latin, while also integrating cultural narratives and significant historical events related to the terms discussed. Noteworthy aspects include the emphasis on the evolution of language and its socio-cultural implications, making it an engaging listen for anyone interested in how words have shaped our understanding of the world.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Etymoleon:
1. This American Life
2. History's Heroes
3. The Atlas Obscura Podcast
4. In Our Time
5. Dan Snow's History Hit
Etymoleon launched 2 years ago and published 106 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Etymoleon include:
1. Gabrielle Burczak
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