'pheasant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'phasianus,' where 'phasian-' referred to the bird from the Phasis River region.

'phasianus' transformed into the Old French word 'faisan,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pheasant' through Middle English.

Initially, it referred to the bird from the Phasis River region, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a game bird with showy plumage.