'prodigy' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prodigium', where that word meant 'an omen, portent or prodigy.'

'prodigium' passed into Old French as 'prodigie' and then into Middle English as 'prodigy', eventually becoming the modern English word 'prodigy'.

Initially it meant 'an omen or portent' (often with a sense of something extraordinary or ominous), but over time it evolved to mean 'a person with extraordinary talent,' especially a young one.