'anvil' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'anfȳl', where the element 'an-' is a formative element and 'fȳl' referred to a block or mass used for striking.

'anvȳl' (Middle English form 'anvyl'/'anvil') changed from Old English 'anfȳl' and eventually became the modern English word 'anvil'; the verb sense ('to anvil' — to shape on an anvil) developed from the noun.

Initially, it meant 'a block for hammering or striking'; over time it kept that core sense and also gave rise to the verb meaning 'to shape by hammering on an anvil' and adjectival uses ('anvilled') meaning 'worked on an anvil'.