'eccentric' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'eccentricus,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'centrum' meant 'center.'

'eccentricus' transformed into the French word 'eccentrique,' and eventually became the modern English word 'eccentric' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'not having the same center,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unconventional or strange.'