Etymology Map
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Cameo

3 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means a small relief carving on a gem; a brief appearance by a well-known actor

Where does the word "cameo" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin cammaeus, passing through Italian before entering English (1560s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
cammaeus
Medieval Latin · medieval
"carved gem"
of unknown origin
2
Stage 2 of 3
cameo
Italian · 1400s
"cameo"
Renaissance collectors prized carved gems, ancient and new
3
Stage 3 of 3
cameo
English · 1560s
"carved gem; brief role"
'cameo role', a small but notable part, dates from the 1920s
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Read the full story

Cameo’s story begins in Medieval Latin: cammaeus meant “carved gem.” Of unknown origin. By 1400s, the word had taken hold in Italian as cameo. Renaissance collectors prized carved gems, ancient and new. It reached English by 1560s as cameo. 'cameo role', a small but notable part, dates from the 1920s. Today, cameo means a small relief carving on a gem; a brief appearance by a well-known actor.