'stubborn' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'stiborn,' where 'sti-' meant 'stiff' and '-born' meant 'bearing.'

'stiborn' transformed into the modern English word 'stubborn' through gradual phonetic changes.

Initially, it meant 'stiff or rigid in bearing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unwilling to change one's mind.'