General synonyms:
* Source: This is the most direct synonym for origin.
* Beginning: This emphasizes the starting point.
* Root: This suggests something deep and fundamental.
* Foundation: This implies something that supports and gives rise to something else.
* Genesis: This has a more formal and literary feel.
Specific synonyms:
* Birthplace: If referring to the place where someone was born.
* Ancestry: If referring to the lineage of someone or something.
* Provenance: If referring to the history of ownership of an object.
* Derivation: If referring to the way something is created or developed.
Informal synonyms:
* Where it came from: This is a simple and straightforward phrase.
* The start: This is a casual way to refer to the origin.
The best word to use will depend on the specific situation and what you want to emphasize.