'apron' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'naperon', where 'nappe' (or related forms) meant 'tablecloth/napkin' (from Latin 'mappa' meaning 'cloth' or 'napkin').

'apron' changed from the Middle English word 'napron' and eventually became the modern English word 'apron' through rebracketing (the phrase 'a napron' was reinterpreted as 'an apron').

Initially, it referred to a small cloth or napkin; over time it evolved into the meaning 'a protective garment worn over clothing'.