'24' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'twēntig feower', where 'twēntig' meant 'twenty' and 'feower' meant 'four'.

'twēntig feower' transformed into the Middle English word 'twenty-four', and eventually became the modern English word '24'.

Initially, it meant 'twenty plus four', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.