Etymology Map
Back to all words

Era

2 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a long and distinct period of history

Where does the word "era" come from? It comes from Late Latin aera, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
aera
Late Latin · ancient
"counters for calculation"
plural of 'aes', copper or brass: the number counted with copper counters, then a fixed date
2
Stage 2 of 2
era
English · 1610s
"epoch"
the Spanish 'era' dating system used 38 BC as its start
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Era’s story begins in Late Latin: aera meant “counters for calculation.” Plural of 'aes', copper or brass: the number counted with copper counters, then a fixed date. It reached English by 1610s as era. The Spanish 'era' dating system used 38 BC as its start. Today, era means a long and distinct period of history.