The term “legacy” has its roots in the Latin word “legatus,” which means “ambassador” or “envoy.” In medieval Latin, it evolved to “legacia,” meaning “the office or function of a legate.” By the late 14th century, in Old French, it became “legacie,” referring to a “body of persons sent on a mission.”
In English, by the early 15th century, “legacy” came to mean a gift of property or money left in a will. Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass anything handed down from an ancestor or predecessor, including intangible assets such as reputation, values, and cultural heritage. Today, “legacy” is often used to describe the long-lasting impact or influence of an individual, organization, or event.