'alençon' originates from French, specifically the name of the town 'Alençon', where this type of lace was first made.

'alençon' changed from the French town name 'Alençon' and eventually became associated with the lace style known as 'Alençon lace'.

Initially, it referred to the town itself, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a specific type of lace.