'self' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'self', where the root meant 'oneself' or 'the same'.

'self' changed from Old English 'self' through Middle English 'self' and eventually became the modern English word 'self'.

Initially, it meant 'oneself' or 'the same individual', and over time this core sense remained while new grammatical uses (such as reflexive forms and verbing in technical contexts) developed.