'southwards' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sūðweardes,' where 'sūð' meant 'south' and 'weard' meant 'toward.'

'sūðweardes' transformed into the Middle English word 'southwardes,' and eventually became the modern English word 'southwards.'

Initially, it meant 'toward the south,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.