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Where does the word "blood" come from? It comes from Proto-Germanic blōþą, passing through Old English before entering English (1500s).
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Where does the word "blood" come from? It comes from Proto-Germanic blōþą, passing through Old English before entering English (1500s).
Blood’s story begins in Proto-Germanic: blōþą meant “blood.” Of uncertain origin, perhaps 'that which bursts out', related to 'bloom'. By 700s-1000s, the word had taken hold in Old English as blōd. 'bless' comes from 'blētsian', to mark with blood in a sacrifice. It reached English by 1500s as blood. 'blue blood' translates Spanish 'sangre azul', a claim of untainted noble descent. Today, blood means the red liquid circulating in the body.
- Stage 1 · Proto-Germanic · ancient blōþą "blood", of uncertain origin, perhaps 'that which bursts out', related to 'bloom'.
- Stage 2 · Old English · 700s-1000s blōd "blood", 'bless' comes from 'blētsian', to mark with blood in a sacrifice.
- Stage 3 · English · 1500s blood "blood", 'blue blood' translates Spanish 'sangre azul', a claim of untainted noble descent.