Etymology Map
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Marionette

3 stages from French to English.

Today it means a puppet worked by strings

Where does the word "marionette" come from? It comes from French Marion, passing through French before entering English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
Marion
French · medieval
"little Mary"
a pet form of Marie, Mary
2
Stage 2 of 3
marionnette
French · 1500s
"puppet"
perhaps first used for figures of the Virgin Mary; later any puppet
3
Stage 3 of 3
marionette
English · 1620s
"string puppet"
borrowed with French puppet shows
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Read the full story

Marionette’s story begins in French: Marion meant “little Mary.” A pet form of Marie, Mary. Within French, it grew into marionnette by 1500s. Perhaps first used for figures of the Virgin Mary; later any puppet. It reached English by 1620s as marionette. Borrowed with French puppet shows. Today, marionette means a puppet worked by strings.