'ampersand' originates from English, specifically the phrase 'and per se and', where 'and' meant 'and' and 'per se' meant 'by itself'.

'and per se and' transformed into the English word 'ampersand' and eventually became the modern English word 'ampersand'.

Initially, it meant 'and by itself and', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the symbol &'.