'epigraph' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'epigraphē', where 'epi-' meant 'upon' and 'graphein' meant 'to write'.

'epigraph' changed from the Greek word 'epigraphē', passed into Late Latin 'epigraphia' and Old French 'épigraphe', and eventually became the modern English word 'epigraph'.

Initially, it meant 'something written upon' (an inscription), but over time it also came to mean 'a short quotation placed at the start of a book or chapter'.