sovereign

Where does the word "sovereign" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin superanus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Sovereign’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: superanus meant “above, superior.” Above others, from super (above). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as soverain. Carried into French for one holding supreme power. It reached English by 1300s as sovereign. Settled as the English word for a supreme ruler or supreme authority. Today, sovereign means a supreme ruler, or possessing supreme power and independent authority.

1. Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · medieval superanus "above, superior", above others, from super (above).
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval soverain "one holding supreme power", carried into French for one holding supreme power.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s sovereign "a supreme ruler, or possessing supreme authority", settled as the English word for a supreme ruler or supreme authority.