Quick Scoop: The English name “Easter” is generally traced to Ēostre/Eastre , an Anglo-Saxon springtime goddess or festival name, though the origin is not fully certain. In most other languages, the holiday’s name comes from Passover instead.

Why the name stuck

Old English used a form like Easterdæg for the holiday, and later Christian writers connected it to Ēostre , a spring month or festival name in Anglo-Saxon tradition.

Different language, different root

Across much of Europe, Easter is called something derived from Pascha , which comes from the Jewish Passover tradition. That’s why French, Spanish, and Italian names for the holiday look very different from English.

Short version

  • English “Easter” : likely from Ēostre/Eastre.
  • Most other languages : from Pascha / Passover.
  • Bottom line : the English name is old, regional, and a bit mysterious.

If you want, I can also give you a 2-sentence version or a kid-friendly explanation.