Where Do Sororities and Fraternities Come from?

Sororities (originally termed "women's fraternities") began to develop in 1851 with the formation of the Adelphean Society Alpha Delta Pi, though fraternity-like organizations for women didn't take their current form until the establishment of Pi Beta Phi in 1867 and Kappa Alpha Theta in 1870.

What is the origin of sororities?

In 1882, the Gamma Phi Beta women at Syracuse University began to call themselves a sorority. ... This was by the suggestion of their advisor who was a Professor of Latin and thought the word suited them better. The word sorority comes from the Latin word "soror" meaning sister.

Where do fraternities and sororities come from?

Sorority, like fraternity, comes from the Latin word Soror meaning “sister.” The first half of the 20th century saw turbulent times that greatly impacted the Greek community but following the end of WWII there was an influx of membership to Greek organizations as men and women returned to college.