Learn English – Where did the phrase “you’re welcome” come from

etymology

"You're welcome" as a response to "thank you" makes absolutely no sense. You're welcome to what?

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The first references to welcome are found in Beowolf.

By 1300, “welcome” was being used more loosely to describe something acceptable, pleasurable, freely permitted, or cordially invited.

From Othello: (circa 1603):

Lodovico: Madam, good night; I humbly thank your ladyship.
Desdemona: Your honour is most welcome.

From the linked source:

A reader found an earlier citation in The House by the Churchyard, an 1863 novel by the Irish writer Sheridan Le Fanu: “ ‘I thank ye again, sir.’ ‘You’re welcome, my honey,’ rejoined Toole, affectionately.”

I don't find it at all mysterious. I imagine it like

You have done well to come to me; I am pleased to do it.

I was taught to say it. In French, they say avec plaisir (with pleasure) or de rien (it's nothing), in Spanish, con gusto (with pleasure) or de nada (it's nothing.) *

(Source)

*_{In the part of Quebec where my parents were born, "Bienvenu" (you're welcome) was the response to "thank you". I actually never heard "de rien" until I was in France, although I don't know what the answer is in Montreal.}

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