'period' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'periodos,' where 'peri-' meant 'around' and 'hodos' meant 'way' or 'path.'

'periodos' transformed into the Latin word 'periodus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'period' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'a way around' or 'circuit,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'time duration' and 'punctuation mark.'