This word has the same origin as zārds (“rickstand”) (q.v.), from which it originated by metathesis. The different intonation (dārzs has a falling [àː], while zārds has a level [āː]) is probably explained by the change in meaning, and may have preceded the metathesis; cf. the intonation change in Lithuanian žárdas (“forked branch, rickstand”), žárdis (“pole”), but žar̃dis (“horse, cattle corral; (arch.) garden”). The meaning change would then have been: “wooden structure” > “fence” > “fenced area” (cf. below zirgu dārzs “horse corral”, and metaphorically also mēness dārzs “moon ring”) > “garden.” Cognates include Lithuanian dar̃žas.