c.1300, from Old French comander "to order, enjoin, entrust" (12c.), from Vulgar Latin *commandare, from Latin commendare "to recommend, entrust to" (see commend), altered by influence of Latin mandare "to commit, entrust" (see mandate, n.). Replaced Old English bebeodan. Related: Commanded; commanding.

c.1400, "order, command," from Old French comand (14c.), from comander (see command, v.). Meaning "control, authority" is from mid-15c.