'total' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'totalis', where the root 'totus' meant 'whole; entire'.

'total' changed from Old French 'total' (from Medieval Latin 'totalis' < Latin 'totus') and eventually became the modern English word 'total'.

Initially, it meant 'whole; entire', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'complete; the sum; to add up or to amount to; to render something completely destroyed (informal, US)'.