Solitaire, or Patience, originated in late 18th-century Northern Europe, possibly for fortune-telling, and became popular in the 19th century through French and German books. It surged in global recognition when Microsoft included it in Windows 3.0 in 1990, helping users learn mouse use and becoming a digital staple in subsequent Windows versions. The game's popularity continued to grow with the addition of Klondlike in various Windows versions, leading to the game's widespread availability on personal computers and mobile platforms today.
The word "Patience" described the game's solitary nature in French, while "Solitaire" from the same root also highlighted its one-player characteristic