English (English)

Where does "English" come from?

The word "English" stems from the Old English "Englisċ," which evolved from the name of the Angles, a Germanic tribe. This tribal name is likely linked to the Proto-Germanic word for "hook," possibly referring to the shape of the landscape where they lived or their skill as fishermen. Ultimately, the term passed through Middle English to become the modern designation for the language and people associated with England.

Full etymology tree

English (English), 'The language that developed in England and is now spoken in the British Isles, the Commonwealth of Nations, North America, and many other parts of the world.'
- inherited Englisch (Middle English), 'of England; from England'
  - inherited Englisċ (Old English), 'the English language; Old English'
    - derived Engle (Old English), 'the English'
      - inherited *Angli (Proto-West Germanic), 'an Angle'
        inherited *angul (Proto-West Germanic)
        inherited *angulaz (Proto-Germanic), 'hook'
        compound *angô (Proto-Germanic), 'a bend; crook'
        inherited *h₂enk- (Proto-Indo-European), 'curve, bend'
        affix *-ulaz (Proto-Germanic), 'Forms adjectives from verbs meaning “doing” or “pertaining to doing” the verb.'
        inherited *h₂enkulós (Proto-Indo-European)
    - affix -isċ (Old English), 'of or relating to: -ish'

Direct ancestors

Updated July 2026

Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris