Where does “switchgirl” come from?

switchgirl (English) comes from English Girl, from Middle English girle, from Old English gyrele — young person.

switchgirl (English): The female equivalent of a switchman

Definitions

  1. The female equivalent of a switchman

Ancestry of “switchgirl”, step by step

switchgirl traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English Girl

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishGirlA Chinese constellation located near Aquarius, one of the 28 lunar mansions and part of the Black Turtle
2Middle EnglishgirleAlternative form of gerle
3Old Englishgyreleyoung person

via English switch

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishswitchA device to turn electric current on and off or...
2Middle Dutchswijchtwig
Every word from Old English gyrele →Every word from Middle English girle →Every word from English Girl →