'girl' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'girle' or 'gurle', of uncertain origin (possibly from regional Germanic dialects).

'girl' changed from Middle English 'girle'/'gurle' (meaning a child or young person) and eventually became the modern English word 'girl' with a narrowed sense.

Initially, it meant 'a child or young person (of either sex)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a female child or young woman'.