The origin of the greeting "Hi" is attributed to Americans, specifically originating with Native Americans.
While the term "hi" shares etymological roots with the Middle English word "hy" or "hey" (used to attract attention), its use as a greeting is an American innovation. According to records, it was first documented in the speech of a Kansas Indian. This occurred sometime after the development of "hey" as a call for attention.
Therefore, while the underlying sound has older origins, the greeting "Hi" as we know it today began with Native Americans in what is now the United States.
