According to linguistic history documented by sources like the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "hello" does not have a "full name" in the sense that a person might have a given name and surname. However, its history reveals earlier forms from which it evolved.
Etymological Origin of Hello
Based on etymological studies, the word hello is understood as an alteration of earlier forms used in English.
- Earlier Forms: The word hello is an alteration of hallo and hollo. These forms were used before "hello" became common as a greeting.
- Deeper Roots: These earlier English forms, hallo and hollo, originated from the Old High German words halâ and holâ. These Old High German terms were emphatic imperatives of the verbs halôn or holôn, meaning "to fetch."
The original use of these root words in Old High German was often specific, particularly in hailing someone, such as a ferryman. Over time, these terms evolved and were adopted into English as hallo and hollo, eventually transforming into the widely used greeting hello.
The evolution can be summarized as follows:
| Stage | Form(s) | Origin/Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Deepest Origin | halâ, holâ (Old High German) | Emphatic imperative "to fetch," used for hailing (e.g., ferryman) |
| Intermediate English | hallo, hollo | Alterations of Old High German roots, used in English |
| Modern English | hello | Alteration of hallo, hollo, widely used greeting |
This information is supported by linguistic research referenced in sources such as the Hello entry on Wikipedia, which cites the Oxford English Dictionary.
In summary, while "hello" doesn't possess a traditional "full name," its etymological lineage traces back through hallo and hollo to Old High German roots.
