'maiden' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'mægden', where the root 'mæg' referred to a relative/kinsman and the element formed a noun meaning a young woman or girl.

'maiden' changed from Old English 'mægden' to Middle English 'maiden' and eventually became the modern English word 'maiden'.

Initially it meant 'young woman' or 'virgin', but over time it also developed adjectival senses meaning 'first' (as in 'maiden voyage') and specialized senses such as a competitor who has not yet won a race.