Avonlea has been considered an anagram for “Avalon,” meaning “island of apples” in the Celtic traditions. The most famous setting for Avalon is in the Arthurian legend, where a wounded King Arthur is carried by three queens to heal after his battle with Mordred.¹

¹The Annontated Anne of Green Gables.   Oxford University Press; 1 edition (August 28, 1997)