Etymology Map
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Virgin

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person who has never had sex; untouched

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
virgo
Latin · ancient
"maiden"
the zodiac sign Virgo keeps the word
2
Stage 2 of 3
virgine
Old French · medieval
"maiden"
the Virgin Mary made it central in medieval faith
3
Stage 3 of 3
virgin
English · 1200s
"maiden"
'virgin' forest and 'virgin' olive oil date from the 1600s–1900s
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Read the full story

Virgin’s story begins in Latin: virgo meant “maiden.” The zodiac sign Virgo keeps the word. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as virgine. The Virgin Mary made it central in medieval faith. It reached English by 1200s as virgin. 'virgin' forest and 'virgin' olive oil date from the 1600s–1900s. Today, virgin means a person who has never had sex; untouched.