Etymology Map
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Bay

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a broad curved inlet of the sea

Where does the word "bay" come from? It comes from Late Latin baia, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
baia
Late Latin · ancient
"bay"
a Late Latin word, possibly Iberian
2
Stage 2 of 3
baie
Old French · medieval
"bay"
a coastal inlet
3
Stage 3 of 3
bay
English · 1300s
"inlet"
the unrelated 'bay' tree comes from Latin 'baca', berry
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Read the full story

Bay’s story begins in Late Latin: baia meant “bay.” A Late Latin word, possibly Iberian. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as baie. A coastal inlet. It reached English by 1300s as bay. The unrelated 'bay' tree comes from Latin 'baca', berry. Today, bay means a broad curved inlet of the sea.