'starboard' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'stēorbord', where 'stēor' meant 'steer' and 'bord' meant 'side'.

'stēorbord' transformed into the Middle English word 'sterbord', and eventually became the modern English word 'starboard'.

Initially, it meant 'the side on which the ship is steered', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the right-hand side of a ship or aircraft'.