'fragrance' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'fragrance', where the root 'fragrant-' meant 'smelling sweet' (from Late Latin 'fragrantia').

'fragrance' came into English from Middle French 'fragrance', via Late Latin 'fragrantia' and Latin 'fragrans' (present participle of a verb reconstructed as 'fragrare'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'fragrance'.

Initially it meant 'a sweet or pleasant smell' and over time broadened to include both the quality of a pleasant smell and manufactured substances (perfumes) that produce such smells.