'azure' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'azur', which ultimately comes from Arabic 'lāzaward' (via Persian 'lāžvard'), where the element referred to 'lapis lazuli' (a deep blue stone).

'azure' changed from Old French 'azur' (and Medieval Latin/Old Provençal forms) and entered Middle English as 'azure', eventually becoming the modern English word 'azure'.

Initially, it referred to the stone 'lapis lazuli' or the deep blue pigment derived from it; over time it evolved to mean the bright blue or sky-blue color generally called 'azure'.