Etymology Map
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Infamous

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means well known for a bad quality

Where does the word "infamous" come from? It comes from Latin infamis, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
infamis
Latin · ancient
"disreputable"
'in-', not, plus 'fama', fame
2
Stage 2 of 3
infame
Old French · medieval
"infamous"
in Roman law 'infamia' was a formal loss of civic standing
3
Stage 3 of 3
infamous
English · 1300s
"notorious"
'infamy' followed
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Read the full story

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.