Gaul is the name given by the Romans to France. The name "France" comes from the Franks, one of the germanic tribes that invaded the country after the fall of the Roman Empire (France is called "Frankreich" in German).

Gaul (?), n. [F. Gaule, fr. L. Gallia, fr. Gallus a Gaul.]

1.

The Anglicized form of Gallia, which in the time of the Romans included France and Upper Italy (Transalpine and Cisalpine Gaul).

2.

A native or inhabitant of Gaul.

© Webster 1913.