Etymology Map
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Manor

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a large country house with lands

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
manere
Latin · ancient
"to remain, dwell"
the root of 'mansion' and 'permanent'
2
Stage 2 of 3
manoir
Old French · medieval
"dwelling"
the lord's house on a feudal estate
3
Stage 3 of 3
manor
English · 1300s
"a feudal estate"
'lord of the manor' held local courts
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Read the full story

Manor’s story begins in Latin: manere meant “to remain, dwell.” The root of 'mansion' and 'permanent'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as manoir. The lord's house on a feudal estate. It reached English by 1300s as manor. 'lord of the manor' held local courts. Today, manor means a large country house with lands.