'common' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'communis', where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'munis' meant 'service'.

'communis' transformed into the Old French word 'comun', and eventually became the modern English word 'common' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'shared by all or many', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'frequently occurring or widespread'.