An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Any of several large, corvine birds having lustrous, black plumage and a loud, harsh call, especially Corvus corax, of the New and Old Worlds (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): O.E. hræfn, hrefn; hræfn, cognate with O.Norse hrafn, Dan. ravn, Du. raaf, Ger. Rabe “raven,” ultimately from PIE root *ker- imitative of harsh sounds (source also of L. crepare “to creak, clatter,” cornix “crow,” corvus “raven;” Gk. korax “raven,” korone “crow;” O.C.S. kruku “raven;” Lith. krauklys “crow,” related to Pers. kalâq, as below.

Etymology (PE): Kalâq, ultimately from Proto-Iranian*karak-, from *kar- “raven’s harsh sound;” cf. Pers. qâr, qârqâr “croak,” cognate with L. corvus, Gk. korax “a raven,” Skt. kâkah, E. raven, as above and → crow.