'paean' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'παιάν (paian)', where it referred to a hymn of invocation or thanksgiving and was adopted into Latin as 'paean' before entering English.

'paean' came from Greek 'παιάν (paian)', passed into Latin as 'paean', and then into Middle English (often spelled 'paian' or 'pean') before becoming the modern English 'paean'.

Initially, it meant a specific hymn of invocation or thanksgiving (often to Apollo); over time it broadened to mean any song or expression of praise or triumph.