'anvil' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'anfilt' (recorded forms), ultimately from Proto-Germanic roots referring to a striking or fastening tool.

'anvil' changed from Old English 'anfilt' (or variant forms) and through Middle English became the modern English word 'anvil'.

Initially, it referred specifically to the iron block used for hammering metal; over time the core meaning has remained largely the same, though verb uses (to anvil = to beat on an anvil) developed later.