Etymology Map
Back to all words

Insignia

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a badge or emblem of rank

Where does the word "insignia" come from? It comes from Latin insignia, adopted directly into English (1640s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
insignia
Latin · ancient
"badges"
plural of 'insigne', mark, from 'signum', sign
2
Stage 2 of 2
insignia
English · 1640s
"badges of office"
used as a singular in English
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Insignia’s story begins in Latin: insignia meant “badges.” Plural of 'insigne', mark, from 'signum', sign. It reached English by 1640s as insignia. Used as a singular in English. Today, insignia means a badge or emblem of rank.