Etymology Map
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Mogul

3 stages from Persian to English.

Today it means an important or powerful person

Where does the word "mogul" come from? It comes from Persian Mughul, passing through Urdu before entering English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
Mughul
Persian · medieval
"Mongol"
'Mongol'
2
Stage 2 of 3
Mughal
Urdu · 1500s
"Mughal"
the dynasty founded by Babur, from the Fergana valley, who conquered northern India in 1526
3
Stage 3 of 3
mogul
English · 1580s
"powerful person"
from the 'Great Mogul' of travellers' tales; 'movie moguls' date from the 1920s
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Read the full story

Mogul’s story begins in Persian: Mughul meant “Mongol.” 'Mongol'. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in Urdu as Mughal. The dynasty founded by Babur, from the Fergana valley, who conquered northern India in 1526. It reached English by 1580s as mogul. From the 'Great Mogul' of travellers' tales; 'movie moguls' date from the 1920s. Today, mogul means an important or powerful person.