Etymology Map
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Kobold

2 stages from German to English.

Today it means a mischievous household spirit or mine goblin in German folklore

Where does the word "kobold" come from? It comes from German Kobold, adopted directly into English (1830s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
Kobold
German · medieval
"goblin"
a household spirit; miners blamed kobolds for worthless ores, which gave the name 'cobalt'
2
Stage 2 of 2
kobold
English · 1830s
"goblin"
borrowed with German folklore
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Read the full story

Kobold’s story begins in German: Kobold meant “goblin.” A household spirit; miners blamed kobolds for worthless ores, which gave the name 'cobalt'. It reached English by 1830s as kobold. Borrowed with German folklore. Today, kobold means a mischievous household spirit or mine goblin in German folklore.