'occupancy' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'occupare,' where 'occu-' meant 'toward' and 'parare' meant 'to prepare or make ready.'

'occupare' transformed into the Old French word 'occuper,' and eventually became the modern English word 'occupy' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to seize or take possession,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the act of occupying or the state of being occupied.'