'aureole' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aureola', where 'aureus' meant 'golden'.

'aureole' changed from Medieval Latin 'aureola' and Old French 'aureole' and eventually became the modern English word 'aureole'.

Initially, it meant 'a small golden thing or little gold', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a ring or radiance of light (often around a holy person's head)'.