'non' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'non', where it meant 'not'.

'non' entered English as a combining form via Latin and Old French (Old French 'non') and appeared in Middle English as the prefix 'non-' before becoming the modern English 'non-'.

Initially it meant 'not' in Latin, and this basic negating sense has been retained into modern English as the prefix meaning 'not' or 'without'.