'parsley' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'persely,' which came from Old English 'petersilie,' derived from Latin 'petroselinum,' and ultimately from Greek 'petroselinon,' where 'petro-' meant 'rock' and 'selinon' meant 'celery.'

'petroselinon' transformed into the Latin word 'petroselinum,' which became the Old English 'petersilie,' and eventually evolved into the modern English word 'parsley.'

Initially, it referred to a type of celery growing on rocks, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a common culinary herb.