The name is based on Proto-Germanic *ansuz, denoting a deity belonging to the principal pantheon in Germanic paganism.
Since the name of a is attested in the Gothic alphabet as ahsa or aza, the common Germanic name of the rune may thus either have been *ansuz "god", or *ahsam "ear (of wheat)".
Old Icelandic ᚬ Óss er algingautr ok ásgarðs jöfurr, ok valhallar vísi.
Old English ᚩ Ōs bẏþ ordfruma ælcre spræce wisdomes wraþu and witena frofur, and eorla gehwam eadnẏs and tohiht.
The mouth is the source of all language, a pillar of wisdom and a comfort to wise men, a blessing and a joy to every knight.