Where does “hamlet” come from?

hamlet (Norwegian Nynorsk) comes from Norwegian Nynorsk lèt, from Old Norse Litr, from Proto-Germanic wlitiz, from Proto-Indo-European wēl- — to see, perceive.

hamlet (Norwegian Nynorsk): skin colour, complexion

Definitions

  1. skin colour, complexion

Ancestry of “hamlet”, step by step

hamlet traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via Norwegian Nynorsk lèt

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Norwegian Nynorsklètpresent of late
2Old NorseLitrname of a dwarf
3Proto-Germanicwlitizsight, appearance; countenance, face; look,...
4Proto-Indo-Europeanwēl-to see, perceive

via Norwegian Nynorsk ham

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Norwegian Nynorskhamskin or slough
2Old Norsehamrskin, slough hleypa hǫmum ― to cast the slough;...
3Proto-Germanichamôcover, skin; clothes, skirt, fishnet; harness,...
4Proto-Indo-Europeanḱem-to cover, conceal; hornless
Every word from Proto-Indo-European wēl- →Every word from Proto-Germanic wlitiz →Every word from Old Norse Litr →