'Angoulême' originates from Gallo-Roman toponymy, specifically the name 'Iculisma' (of Gaulish origin), where the original root is uncertain in meaning.

'Iculisma' transformed into Medieval Latin forms such as 'Engolisma/Angolisma', then into Old French 'Angolesme', and eventually became the modern French place-name 'Angoulême'.

Initially, it denoted an ancient hilltop settlement/fortified site; over time it came to refer to the medieval and modern city (and by extension the comics festival held there).