pseudonym

Where does the word "pseudonym" come from? It comes from Greek pseudōnymos, passing through French before entering English (1840s).

Pseudonym’s story begins in Greek: pseudōnymos meant “falsely named.” 'falsely named'. By 1800s, the word had taken hold in French as pseudonyme. A pen name. It reached English by 1840s as pseudonym. Borrowed as women authors such as George Eliot published under male names. Today, pseudonym means a fictitious name, especially one used by an author.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient pseudōnymos "falsely named", 'falsely named'.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1800s pseudonyme "pen name", a pen name.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1840s pseudonym "pen name", borrowed as women authors such as George Eliot published under male names.