An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Mangold

by Friedrich Kluge

Mangold, masculine, ‘beet,’ from Middle High German mangolt, masculine; its connection with Gold does not seem to be original. If it is to be connected, as is usually done, with the proper name Managolt, the primary meaning is ‘powerful ruler’ (manag and waltan; compare Πολυκράτης), but scarcely ‘very gracious’ (Viel-hold). See Markolf. By what means the plant acquired this name can no longer be discovered. Others regard Mangold as Halsgold, ‘gold-neck’ (compare Mähne); but mane-, ‘neck,’ is not found elsewhere in Teutonic.