'yesteryear' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'yester' meaning 'yesterday' and 'year' meaning 'year'.

'yesteryear' changed from the Middle English word 'yesteryere' and eventually became the modern English word 'yesteryear'.

Initially, it meant 'the year before the current one', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a time in the past, especially a nostalgic one'.