'awonder' originates from Old English elements: the prefix 'a-' (from Old English 'on', meaning 'in' or 'on') combined with the noun 'wonder' (Old English 'wundor', meaning 'a marvel').

'awonder' appeared in Middle English as forms like 'a-wonder(e)' (prefixation of a- to 'wonder') and was used in Early Modern English; over time it fell out of common use and is now considered archaic or dialectal.

Initially it meant 'in a state of wonder or astonishment'; that basic sense has persisted, but the word has become rare and archaic in modern usage.