The dragonfly, a predatory insect belonging to the order Odonata, is a common sight near bodies of water. Known for its large, multifaceted eyes, transparent wings, and remarkable aerial speed, this creature is a powerful hunter. The unusual name does not refer to a miniature, fire-breathing reptile but stems from centuries of linguistic evolution and cultural association. Understanding the origin of “dragonfly” requires looking into older European names and the folklore that shaped them.
The Word Origin: From Serpent to Dragon
The English term “dragonfly” was first recorded in the 17th century, developing from older European folk names that associated the insect with serpents or the Devil. In the 15th century, a common English name was adderbolt, linking the creature to the adder, a venomous snake. This connection arose because the dragonfly’s long, slender abdomen resembles a stitching needle or a darting snake, leading to other names like “snake doctor” or “snake feeder.”
The word “dragon” descends from the Latin draco, which referred to any large serpent or formidable snake, not necessarily the winged, fire-breathing beast of modern fantasy. The dragonfly’s large size, predatory nature, and resemblance to a flying serpent led to its inclusion in the “dragon” category. The final English name may also be a direct translation error from Eastern European languages, where the word for “devil” and “dragon” were sometimes the same.
In Romanian folklore, the devil was said to have cursed the horse of Saint George, turning it into the large flying insect. The Romanian word drac means both “devil” and “dragon,” and the folk name “Devil’s Horse” may have been erroneously translated into English as “Dragon Fly.” Regardless of the exact path, the English name solidified in the 1620s, replacing older, more localized terms.
Folklore and the Fiery Association
The cultural beliefs surrounding the insect reinforced the aggressive “dragon” association. Dragonflies are voracious predators in both their aquatic nymph stage and as adults, consuming thousands of smaller insects like mosquitoes and gnats. This fierce hunting style aligned with the aggressive nature attributed to dragons and the Devil in medieval thought.
The insect’s appearance and behavior led to many negative folk names across Europe. The infamous nickname “Devil’s Darning Needle” emerged from the belief that the insect would sew up the mouths of lying children or stitch closed the ears of sleeping people. The name “Horse Stinger” was also common, stemming from the false notion that the dragonfly would sting or bite horses, despite being harmless to humans.
In Swedish folklore, the dragonfly was called Skams besman, translating to “Devil’s Steelyard.” This name was based on the belief that the insect was an agent of the Devil who used its body, which resembles a Roman weighing balance, to weigh people’s souls. These associations with evil and the Devil motivated the link between the insect and the “dragon” moniker.
How Other Cultures Name the Dragonfly
The “dragon” association is largely unique to English and Western European traditions; many other cultures name the insect based on movement, appearance, or habitat. This contrast highlights how the English name is a cultural artifact rather than a universal description. For example, the Danish name for the insect is Guldsmed, which translates to “Goldsmith,” a far more benign image.
The Norwegian name Øyenstikker means “eye-stabber” or “eye-poker,” continuing a theme of perceived harm but not using the dragon imagery. In Japan, the insect is revered; the old word for dragonfly, Akitsu, is part of the ancient name for the country, Akitsushima, or “Dragonfly Island.” Many other languages use names that simply describe the insect’s habitat, such as “water dancer” or “water butterfly.”