Some think the word “Flea Market” was originally used in reference to a location in Paris around 1860. The term “Flea Market” is derived from the French phrase “marche aux puces,” which means “outside bazaar.” During the nineteenth century, it appears that selling products outside was fairly widespread in France.

It is named for the annoying tiny parasites of the Siphonaptera order (or “wingless bloodsucker”) that plagued the upholstery of old furniture brought out for sale.