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Where does the word "infamous" come from? It comes from Latin infamis, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "infamous" come from? It comes from Latin infamis, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Infamous’s story begins in Latin: infamis meant “disreputable.” 'in-', not, plus 'fama', fame. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as infame. In Roman law 'infamia' was a formal loss of civic standing. It reached English by 1300s as infamous. 'infamy' followed. Today, infamous means well known for a bad quality.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient infamis "disreputable", 'in-', not, plus 'fama', fame.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval infame "infamous", in Roman law 'infamia' was a formal loss of civic standing.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s infamous "notorious", 'infamy' followed.