'Anjou' originates from Latin/Gallo-Roman, specifically the word 'Andegavia' (from the tribe name 'Andecavi'), where the element referred to the territory of that people.

'Anjou' changed from the Gallo-Roman/Latin name 'Andegavia' (or 'Andegavum') into Old French forms (e.g. 'Angeu', 'Anjou') and eventually became the modern English and French name 'Anjou'.

Initially, it meant 'land/territory of the Andecavi (a local tribe)'; over time it came to denote the medieval county/province and later the modern region, and the name was also applied to products (e.g. the pear variety).