When did Latin mottoes first appear?

1. When did mottos start?
2. Where did the motto originate from?
3. Why are mottos in Latin?
4. What does motto mean in Latin?

When did mottos start?

motto (n.)

Meaning "proverbial pithy maxim adopted by someone as a rule of conduct" is from 1796.

Where did the motto originate from?

A motto (derived from the Latin muttum, 'mutter', by way of Italian motto, 'word' or 'sentence') is a sentence or phrase expressing a belief or purpose, or the general motivation or intention of an individual, family, social group, or organisation.

Why are mottos in Latin?

It's in Latin because back in the 19th century that language was much more widely taught and used than it is today. It probably goes back to the days when kings and queens and other big shots had coats of arms with the family motto in Latin.

What does motto mean in Latin?

Etymology. Borrowed from Italian motto (“a word, a saying”), from Latin muttum (“a mutter, a grunt”), late 16th c.. Doublet of mot.