Where does the Rank "Private" come from? what does it mean?

ok that was 2 questions!

lol, I dont know really, but also I keep wondering why the other names came as well! like for example major, i mean why major? and General? General? why not specific u know what I mean...but surely there is a reason as to why

http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery;...nktext=Private

private (rank)

This article is about the military rank of private. For alternative meanings see: Private (disambiguation).

A private is a military soldier of the lowest military rank. The term dates from the Middle Ages where privates were known as "private soldiers" who were either hired, conscripted, or feudalized into service by a nobleman forming an army. The usage of private as a military rank dates from the 18th century, when the army of Napoleon Bonaparte first established the permanent rank of private.

oh thanx ya