'epitaph' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'epitaphion', where 'epi-' meant 'upon' and 'taphos' meant 'tomb'.

'epitaph' changed from Greek 'epitaphion' to Latin 'epitaphium', entered Old French/Medieval Latin forms, and eventually became the modern English word 'epitaph' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'an inscription upon a tomb', but over time it evolved to include a broader, figurative meaning of 'a concluding or commemorative statement'.