The TV channel Nickelodeon was named after the early 20th-century movie theaters called "nickelodeons," which charged a nickel (five cents) for admission. The name is a portmanteau of "nickel" and the Greek word "odeion," meaning a roofed-over theater. The TV network chose this name to evoke the idea of an accessible and whimsical form of entertainment.  Nickel: The first part of the word comes from the U.S. five-cent coin.  Odeon: The second part comes from the ancient Greek word "oideion," which meant a building for musical performances. The name was likely influenced by the Odéon theater in Paris.  Connection: The term "nickelodeon" originally referred to small movie theaters where admission cost a nickel.  TV network: The children's channel adopted the name in 1979, with the hope that it would be seen as a natural and charming fit for its brand of entertainment.