Plantagenet

The story

1. Latin · derived fromplanta genista“sprig of broom”
2. Old French · derived fromplante genest
3. English todayPlantagenet

Originally a sobriquet of Geoffrey of Anjou (1113-1151), founder of the line, who was said to have worn a yellow broom blossom in his hat, Old French plante genest (French plante genêt), from Latin planta genista (“sprig of broom”), whence Medieval Latin Plantagenistae; subsequently adopted as a surname.

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. A member of the dynasty which held the English throne from 1154 to 1485.