'comma' originates from Latin and Greek: it comes ultimately from Greek 'komma' (κόμμα), meaning 'a piece cut off' or 'short clause'.

'comma' changed from the Greek word 'komma' into Late Latin/Medieval Latin as 'comma', passed into Old French and Middle English, and eventually became the modern English word 'comma'.

Initially, it meant 'a short clause or piece cut off' in Greek usage; over time the meaning shifted to refer to the written punctuation mark that separates parts of a sentence.