Etymology Map
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Branch

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a part of a tree growing from the trunk

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
branca
Late Latin · ancient
"paw"
a Late Latin word, possibly Gaulish
2
Stage 2 of 3
branche
Old French · medieval
"branch"
a limb of a tree
3
Stage 3 of 3
branch
English · 1300s
"tree limb"
bank 'branches' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Branch’s story begins in Late Latin: branca meant “paw.” A Late Latin word, possibly Gaulish. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as branche. A limb of a tree. It reached English by 1300s as branch. Bank 'branches' date from the 1800s. Today, branch means a part of a tree growing from the trunk.