'virago' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'virāgō,' where 'vir' meant 'man' and '-āgō' was a suffix indicating a female counterpart.

'virāgō' transformed into the Old French word 'virago,' and eventually became the modern English word 'virago' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a woman of masculine strength or spirit,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a loud, overbearing woman.'