'overcrowded' originates from the combination of 'over-' meaning 'excessively' and 'crowded' from the Old English 'crūdan' meaning 'to press or push'.

'crowded' evolved from the Old English 'crūdan' and eventually became the modern English word 'crowded'.

Initially, it meant 'to press or push together', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'filled beyond capacity'.