'stigma' originates from Latin 'stigma' (borrowed directly), which in turn comes from Greek 'stigma' (στίγμα), where the verb root 'stízein' meant 'to prick' or 'to tattoo'.

'stigma' passed from Greek 'στίγμα' into Latin as 'stigma', was used in Late Latin and Medieval Latin to mean a mark or brand, and entered English in the late Middle Ages with senses including a mark, brand, or spot. Over time it developed both medical/anatomical and figurative social senses.

Initially it meant 'a mark made by pricking or branding' (often a physical mark indicating punishment or ownership); over time it evolved to include 'a mark of disgrace' and specialized senses such as the botanical 'receptive tip of a pistil' and the religious sense of 'stigmata'.