The etymology of the word ‘annuaire’ can be traced back to the Latin annalis, which means ‘yearly’. In French, annuaire literally translates as ‘year book’, a reference to its primary use. An annuaire is essentially a directory or catalogue that is published on an annual basis, typically with specific topics related to each edition.

The earliest record of annuaires can be found in Roman records from 6th century BC. These early annuaries were mainly used as official records for important events such as weddings, births and deaths. Later, they were developed further and adapted by the French during the 16th century Renaissance period. During this time, the usage of annuaires became more widespread; they began to include information about people, places and events related to various fields such as science and politics.

Annuaires have evolved over time with the introduction of new technologies and concepts. Today, these directories are used for many different purposes including directories for businesses, schools and government organizations. They can also be used for online services such as web directories or even online encyclopedias. No matter their purpose, one thing remains true: annuaires continue to provide us with valuable information about our world today.