Etymology Map
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Gallant

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means brave; charmingly attentive

Where does the word "gallant" come from? It comes from Frankish wala, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
wala
Frankish · ancient
"good, well"
possibly a Frankish word related to English 'well'
2
Stage 2 of 3
galer
Old French · medieval
"to rejoice, make merry"
its participle 'galant' meant lively, showy
3
Stage 3 of 3
gallant
English · 1400s
"showy; brave"
courteous attention to women dates from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Gallant’s story begins in Frankish: wala meant “good, well.” Possibly a Frankish word related to English 'well'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as galer. Its participle 'galant' meant lively, showy. It reached English by 1400s as gallant. Courteous attention to women dates from the 1600s. Today, gallant means brave; charmingly attentive.