Etymology Map
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Parson

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a parish priest

Where does the word "parson" come from? It comes from Latin persona, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
persona
Latin · ancient
"person, character"
the 'person' representing the parish in law
2
Stage 2 of 3
persone
Old French · medieval
"parson"
legally the parish's chief person
3
Stage 3 of 3
parson
English · 1200s
"parish priest"
a doublet of 'person'
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Read the full story

Parson’s story begins in Latin: persona meant “person, character.” The 'person' representing the parish in law. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as persone. Legally the parish's chief person. It reached English by 1200s as parson. A doublet of 'person'. Today, parson means a parish priest.