Etymology Map
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Orphan

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a child whose parents have died

Where does the word "orphan" come from? It comes from Greek orphanos, passing through Late Latin before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
orphanos
Greek · ancient
"bereaved"
related to Latin 'orbus', bereft
2
Stage 2 of 3
orphanus
Late Latin · ancient
"orphan"
used in the Latin Bible
3
Stage 3 of 3
orphan
English · 1400s
"a child without parents"
in typography, a stray line at the top of a page
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Read the full story

Orphan’s story begins in Greek: orphanos meant “bereaved.” Related to Latin 'orbus', bereft. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Late Latin as orphanus. Used in the Latin Bible. It reached English by 1400s as orphan. In typography, a stray line at the top of a page. Today, orphan means a child whose parents have died.