'sage' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'sage', which ultimately comes from Latin 'sapiēns' (present participle of 'sapere'), where the root 'sap-' meant 'to have taste, to be wise.'

'sage' changed from Latin 'sapiēns' to Old French 'sage' and was borrowed into Middle English as 'sage', eventually becoming the modern English word 'sage'.

Initially it meant 'wise' (literally 'one who tastes/knows'), and over time it retained the sense of 'wise person' while also being used for the aromatic plant named for its perceived qualities.