Etymology Map
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Guard

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means a person who protects or watches over

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
wardon
Frankish · ancient
"to watch, guard"
a Frankish word; the same Germanic root gives English 'ward'
2
Stage 2 of 3
garder
Old French · medieval
"to guard"
Germanic w became gu in French
3
Stage 3 of 3
guard
English · 1400s
"protector"
English kept both 'guard' and 'ward'
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Read the full story

Guard’s story begins in Frankish: wardon meant “to watch, guard.” A Frankish word; the same Germanic root gives English 'ward'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as garder. Germanic w became gu in French. It reached English by 1400s as guard. English kept both 'guard' and 'ward'. Today, guard means a person who protects or watches over.