'certify' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'certifier,' where 'certus' meant 'certain' and 'facere' meant 'to make.'

'certifier' transformed into the Middle English word 'certifien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'certify.'

Initially, it meant 'to make certain,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to officially recognize or declare something as true.'