The name Pistol is of American origin and is primarily a gender-neutral name. It means "Small Handheld Firearm." The word "pistol" comes from the Middle French pistolet, which referred to a small gun or knife and was first used in English around 1570 when early handguns were produced in Europe. In contemporary usage, "pistol" often serves as a generic term for any type of handgun, including revolvers and pocket-sized derringers. The most common type of pistol used today is the semi-automatic pistol, known for its faster rates of fire and quick reloading. The term "pistol" technically refers to a handgun with a single integral chamber within its barrel, distinguishing it from revolvers and derringers. The etymology of the word "pistol" is disputed, with potential origins in Czech hand cannons or Italian gunsmithing. Throughout history, various types of pistols, including single-shot, revolver, semi-automatic, machine, multi-barreled, harmonica, and lever-action pistols, have been developed to meet different needs and technological advancements.