Here's a breakdown of its etymology:
* Old English: "gyrl" or "gīrl"
* Proto-Germanic: "*gurlaz"
The Proto-Germanic word "*gurlaz" is believed to have meant "young woman" or "young person" in general. It's related to the Old English word "geard" (meaning "yard" or "enclosure"), which could suggest a connection to a young person's role in the household or family.
Over time, the meaning of "girl" shifted to specifically refer to a young female. This shift in meaning is thought to have occurred around the 14th century.
Interestingly, "girl" also has a connection to the German word "Gerät" which means "apparatus" or "device," hinting at a possible link to the notion of "something small."
While the precise meaning of "*gurlaz" is open to some debate, the etymology of "girl" offers a glimpse into the historical use and evolving perception of young women.