Etymology Map
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Good

3 stages from Proto-Germanic to English.

Today it means having the right qualities; morally right

Where does the word "good" come from? It comes from Proto-Germanic gōdaz, passing through Old English before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
gōdaz
Proto-Germanic · ancient
"fitting, good"
first meant fitting or suitable
2
Stage 2 of 3
gōd
Old English · 700s-1000s
"good"
despite the look-alike, not related to 'god'
3
Stage 3 of 3
good
English · 1500s
"good"
'goodbye' is a contraction of 'God be with ye', reshaped by 'good day'
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Read the full story

Good’s story begins in Proto-Germanic: gōdaz meant “fitting, good.” First meant fitting or suitable. By 700s-1000s, the word had taken hold in Old English as gōd. Despite the look-alike, not related to 'god'. It reached English by 1500s as good. 'goodbye' is a contraction of 'God be with ye', reshaped by 'good day'. Today, good means having the right qualities; morally right.