rupee

Where does the word "rupee" come from? It comes from Sanskrit rupya, passing through Hindi before entering English (1610s).

Rupee’s story begins in Sanskrit: rupya meant “wrought silver; a coin.” Meant 'wrought silver', from rupa 'shape, image'. By 1540s, the word had taken hold in Hindi as rupiya. Named the silver coin introduced by ruler Sher Shah Suri. It reached English by 1610s as rupee. English traders adopted the term for the Indian currency. Today, rupee means the basic unit of currency in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and several other countries.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient rupya "wrought silver; a coin", meant 'wrought silver', from rupa 'shape, image'.
2. Stage 2 · Hindi · 1540s rupiya "a silver coin", named the silver coin introduced by ruler Sher Shah Suri.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1610s rupee "the basic monetary unit of India and neighboring countries", English traders adopted the term for the Indian currency.