onion - 1130, from Anglo-Fr. union, from O.Fr. oignon, from L. unionem (nom. unio) 'a kind of onion,' also 'pearl,' probably the same word as unio 'one, {unity;'} sense connection is the successive layers of an onion, in contrast with garlic or cloves. O.E. had ynne (in ynne-leac), from the same L. source. Onions, the surname, is attested from 1159 (Ennian), from O.Wesh Enniaun, ult. from L. Annianus, which was associated with Welsh einion 'anvil.'
Response last updated by LadyNym on Nov 24 2016.
Jun 07 2003, 12:44 AM