Redon

Original meaning: not settled in the sources.

Disputed. Possibilities include: * From Proto-Indo-European *reidh- (“to ride, travel”), via an o-stem derivative with the individualizing/thematic suffix *-on-. Compare Proto-Indo-European *h₃n̥-. Historically associated with the interpretatio graeca of Ἑρμῆς (Hermês, “Hermes”) due to his role as a protector of travelers and sailors. Potentially related to a Proto-Albanian *rida-, suggesting a Paleo-Balkan term for "current" or "flow," though this remains speculative in the context of theonomastics. Cognate with Old Irish réidid (“he rides”), Old English rīdan (whence English ride), and Old High German rītan. * From Proto-Indo-European *ret- (“to run, roll”), likely via a Paleo-Balkan variant showing *t > *d lenition. For the semantic development of "runner" to "deity of travel/navigation," compare the development of Old Irish rethid (“runs”) and its derivatives related to "wheels" or "courses." Cognate with Sanskrit रथ (ratha, “chariot”), Latin rota (“wheel”), and Lithuanian rãtas. His name keeps on being used in the Albanian Kepi i Rodonit ("Cape of Rodon"), a headland located near Durrës which could be analysed as an Illyrian sanctuary dedicated to the god of the sailors in the past.