'Latin' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'Latinus', where 'Lat-' referred to the region name 'Latium'.

'Latin' changed from Classical Latin 'Latinus' through Late Latin and Old French 'latin' into Middle English 'latin', and eventually became the modern English word 'Latin'.

Initially it meant 'of Latium' or 'pertaining to the Latins', but over time it evolved into its current primary meanings of 'the Latin language' and 'of or relating to Latin people or culture'.