boy (English)
Where does "boy" come from?
The word 'boy' descends from a Proto-Indo-European root related to close male kin, eventually evolving into the Proto-Germanic term for a younger brother. By the time it reached Middle English, the word's meaning had broadened significantly to describe servants, commoners, and even knaves. Over time, it settled into its modern usage as a general term for a male child or young man, retaining a history that reflects changing social perceptions of rank and service.
Full etymology tree
- boy (English), 'A male child.'
- inherited boye (Middle English), 'servant, attendant (especially if young)'
- inherited *bōia (Old English), 'younger brother'
- inherited *bōjō (Proto-West Germanic), 'younger brother'
- inherited *bōjô (Proto-Germanic)
- derived *bō- (Proto-Germanic), 'A stem meaning father, brother, close male relation.'
- inherited *bʰāt- (Proto-Indo-European)
- derived *bō- (Proto-Germanic), 'A stem meaning father, brother, close male relation.'
- inherited *bōjô (Proto-Germanic)
- inherited *bōjō (Proto-West Germanic), 'younger brother'
- inherited *bōia (Old English), 'younger brother'
- inherited boye (Middle English), 'servant, attendant (especially if young)'
Direct ancestors
- bōjō (Proto-West Germanic)
- bō- (Proto-Germanic)
- boef (Dutch)
- Bua (Bavarian)
- Bube (German)
- bófi (Icelandic)
Updated June 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris