'well-mannered' originates from the combination of 'well,' meaning 'in a good or satisfactory way,' and 'mannered,' which comes from the Old French 'maniere,' meaning 'way, fashion, or manner.'

'maniere' transformed into the Middle English word 'maner,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mannered.'

Initially, it meant 'having a certain way or fashion,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having good manners.'