Etymology Map
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Company

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a commercial business; the fact of being with others

Where does the word "company" come from? It comes from Late Latin companio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
companio
Late Latin · ancient
"bread-sharer"
'com-', with, plus 'panis', bread: one who eats bread with you
2
Stage 2 of 3
compaignie
Old French · medieval
"companionship; band"
used for bands of soldiers and merchants
3
Stage 3 of 3
company
English · 1200s
"companionship"
business 'companies' date from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Company’s story begins in Late Latin: companio meant “bread-sharer.” 'com-', with, plus 'panis', bread: one who eats bread with you. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as compaignie. Used for bands of soldiers and merchants. It reached English by 1200s as company. Business 'companies' date from the 1500s. Today, company means a commercial business; the fact of being with others.