Why Is a Croissant Called Croissant?

Transcript

The croissant is named for its crescent shape, as the French word 'croissant' literally means 'crescent of the moon'<sup class='text_citation' source_id='3' start_phrase='The croissant gets' end_phrase='crescent-shaped French pastry'></sup>.

Historically, its name evolved from Anglo-French and Old French roots and ultimately derives from the Latin 'crescere', reflecting notions of growth and the waxing moon<sup class='text_citation' source_id='1' start_phrase='late 14c., cressaunt' end_phrase='grow, thrive, swell'></sup>.

French bakers have maintained this symbolic name over time, celebrating the pastry's iconic, curved form that pays homage to its historical origins<sup class='text_citation' source_id='2' start_phrase='Croissants are named' end_phrase='crescent shape'></sup>.