How does the Ampersand symbol ("&") came to be known as "And"?

Question

Is it from Shorthand notation or what?

Answer 1

No sweat there, you get the explanation right away on this address : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampersand . In short, the sign itself came as as ligature (contraction of 2 letters) of the letters "e" and "t". Why so? Because the word "et" in Latin means "and". Still does in French.

Answer 2

Hey Jake historic mate I have heard / learn this earlier than, (more commonly on the web) Makes for an fascinating tale, huh. I wouldnt pass as far as to mention it's undenyably actual, but it surely does get plenty of "aid" from the "authorities"