'nerve' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'nervus', where 'nervus' meant 'sinew, tendon, nerve'.

'nerve' changed from Old French 'nerf' (and Medieval Latin 'nervus') into Middle English 'nerve' and eventually became the modern English word 'nerve'.

Initially, it meant 'sinew' or 'tendon' (physical cordlike tissue), but over time it evolved to refer to 'nerve' in anatomy and figuratively to 'courage' or 'boldness'.