'sirloin' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'surlonge,' where 'sur' meant 'above' and 'longe' meant 'loin.'

'surlonge' transformed into the English word 'sirloin' during the 16th century.

Initially, it meant 'above the loin,' referring to the specific cut of meat, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.