'preconception' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeconceptio,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'conceptio' meant 'conception or idea.'

'praeconceptio' transformed into the French word 'préconception,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preconception' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'an idea formed beforehand,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.