Avon (name)

Avon is an anglicisation of the British (Welsh) word afon, meaning river. As such, it has been used as the name for numerous rivers in England.

Probably the most famous of these rivers is the Warwickshire Avon, which runs across the midlands of England, and through Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, joining the river Severn at Tewkesbury.

Confusingly, there is another river Avon flowing into the Severn at Avonmouth. This gave its name to the former English administrative county of Avon.

In addition to the various rivers scattered through England, there are numerous places or rivers of that name in other countries settled by the English.

Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden was created Earl of Avon after his retirement.