'cobalt' originates from German, specifically the word 'kobalt' or 'kobold', where 'kobold' meant 'goblin' or 'evil spirit'.

'kobalt' transformed into the French word 'cobalt', and eventually became the modern English word 'cobalt'.

Initially, it referred to a troublesome ore that miners believed was cursed by goblins, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a metallic element.