'Elysium' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Elysium', which was borrowed from Greek 'Elysion' (Ancient Greek: Ἠλύσιον).

'Elysion' in Greek passed into Latin as 'Elysium' and then into Middle English and modern English as 'Elysium' (plural 'Elysiums').

Initially it referred specifically to the mythological 'final resting place of the blessed'; over time it broadened to mean any place or state of ideal happiness or paradise.