'brawl' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'brawlen' (or 'brawle'), where the root is imitative/echoic meaning 'to make a loud noise or cry out.'

'brawl' changed from Middle English 'brawlen' (influenced by Old French brailler 'to cry out') and eventually became the modern English word 'brawl' through usage in late Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to shout or make a loud noise,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a noisy quarrel or fight' (and the verb 'to take part in such a fight).