Etymology Map
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Falcon

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a fast bird of prey

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
falco
Late Latin · ancient
"falcon"
possibly from 'falx', sickle, for its curved talons or wings
2
Stage 2 of 3
faucon
Old French · medieval
"falcon"
falconry was a noble sport
3
Stage 3 of 3
falcon
English · 1200s
"hawk"
the 'l' was restored from Latin in the 1400s
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Read the full story

Falcon’s story begins in Late Latin: falco meant “falcon.” Possibly from 'falx', sickle, for its curved talons or wings. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as faucon. Falconry was a noble sport. It reached English by 1200s as falcon. The 'l' was restored from Latin in the 1400s. Today, falcon means a fast bird of prey.