'standard' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'estandart', where 'estand' meant 'to stand' and '-art' was a suffix used to form nouns.

'estandart' transformed into the Middle English word 'standard', and eventually became the modern English word 'standard'.

Initially, it meant 'a flag or banner', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a level of quality or attainment'.