'welcome' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wilcuma', where 'wil-' meant 'pleasure' and 'cuma' meant 'guest'.

'wilcuma' transformed into the Middle English word 'welcume', and eventually became the modern English word 'welcome'.

Initially, it meant 'a pleasing guest', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to greet someone with pleasure'.