The umbrella was invented over four thousand years ago. We have seen evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China.

These ancient umbrellas, or parasols, provided shade from the sun. The Chinese were the first to waterproof their umbrellas for use as rain protection. Their paper parasols were waxed and lacquered in order to be used against rain.

The word "umbrella" comes from the Latin word "umbra", meaning shade or shadow. In the 16th century the umbrella was introduced to the western world and became especially popular in the rainy weather of Northern Europe. At first it was only an accessory suitable for women. Then the Persian traveller and writer, Jonas Hanway carried and used an umbrella publicly in England. He popularized umbrella use among men. English gentlemen often called their umbrella a "Hanway".

The first umbrella shop opened in 1830, and is still located in London, England. Most early European umbrellas were made of wood or bone and covered with oiled canvas. The handles for the umbrellas were made out of hard wood.

In 1852, Samuel Fox invented the steel-ribbed umbrella design. African-American, inventor, William C. Carter patented an umbrella stand in 1885.

The next major technical innovation over a century was the compact folding umbrella.