Where does “Odin” come from?

Odin derives from Old Norse Óðinn, which comes from Proto-Germanic Wōdanaz, a deity name of unclear original meaning.

Odin (English): A major Germanic god, often described as chief of the pantheon, in his Norse form a member of the Æsir, married to Frigg and associated with knowledge, poetry and war. Wednesday refers to him by way of interpretatio germanica

Definitions

  1. A major Germanic god, often described as chief of the pantheon, in his Norse form a member of the Æsir, married to Frigg and associated with knowledge, poetry and war. Wednesday refers to him by way of interpretatio germanica

Ancestry of “Odin”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Old NorseÓðinnOdin
2Proto-GermanicWōdanazWoden or Odin, the Germanic supreme god. Identified in later times with the Roman god Mercury
3Proto-Germanicwōdazexcited, energised, spirited; frenzied, obsessed;...
4Proto-Indo-Europeanweh₂t-excited, inspired; possessed, raging

Words derived from “Odin”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European weh₂t- →Every word from Proto-Germanic wōdaz →Every word from Proto-Germanic Wōdanaz →