'ancestor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antecessor,' where 'ante-' meant 'before' and 'cedere' meant 'to go.'

'antecessor' transformed into the Old French word 'ancestre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ancestor' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one who goes before,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person from whom one is descended.'