'benign' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'benignus,' where 'bene' meant 'well' and 'genus' meant 'born.'

'benignus' transformed into the Old French word 'benigne,' and eventually became the modern English word 'benign' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'well-born or kind,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'gentle and kind' and 'not harmful.'