'eleven' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'endleofan', where 'end-' meant 'one' and '-leofan' meant 'left over'.

'endleofan' transformed into the Middle English word 'enleven', and eventually became the modern English word 'eleven'.

Initially, it meant 'one left over after ten', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the number 11'.