'alraun' originates from Old High German, specifically the word 'alrūn,' where 'al-' meant 'all' and 'rūn' meant 'secret' or 'mystery.'

'alrūn' transformed into the Middle High German word 'alrūne,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alraun.'

Initially, it meant 'a magical or mysterious plant,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.