'signing' originates from English, specifically from the verb 'sign' + the suffix '-ing', where 'sign' ultimately comes from Latin 'signare' meaning 'to mark' or 'to sign'.

'sign' came into English via Old French 'signer' (from medieval Latin 'signare') and later developed the agent/action nominal and verbal forms in Middle English; adding '-ing' produced 'signing' to indicate the action or event.

Initially related to making a mark or sign ('to mark'); over time it became specialized to mean making a signature or formal agreement (the current meaning: 'writing one's name to indicate agreement' and also 'events of formal signing').