'homely' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hamlic' (or 'hamlig'), where 'ham' meant 'home' and the suffix '-lic' meant 'like' or 'having the quality of'.

'homely' changed from Old English 'hamlic' into Middle English forms such as 'homeli' and eventually became the modern English word 'homely'.

Initially, it meant 'having the qualities of home; domestic or comfortable', but over time it also developed the meaning 'plain or unattractive' (especially for people).