'lovable' originates from the word 'love' combined with the suffix '-able', where 'love' meant 'deep affection' and '-able' meant 'capable of'.

'lovable' changed from the Old English word 'lufian' (to love) and eventually became the modern English word 'lovable'.

Initially, it meant 'capable of being loved', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.