'damsel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'damoisele,' where 'dame' meant 'lady' and '-isele' was a diminutive suffix.

'damoisele' transformed into the Middle English word 'damsel,' and eventually became the modern English word 'damsel'.

Initially, it meant 'a young noblewoman,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a young unmarried woman.'