The origin of GOURMAND is celtic.

In the 13th century Gioraman in IRISH meant "who has good appetite".

Gourmand has a noble meaning, and it is a compliment to be a gourmand.

Gourmet is more recent, it comes from the Dutch Grom, meaning young man. In the 15th century the Groom was the servant who transported the wines. In the 16th century Groomet became Gourmet and was only use or the men who carried barrels of wine or employees of wine merchants. Later the Gourmet became Sommelier.

In academic French, Gourmet should be used only for wine.

Gourmand is broader, and more positive. In English, Gourmet is used more, in the broad meaning.

In the 18th Century, French writer Jean Jacques Rousseau wrote "None is happier than the Gourmand" Nul n'est plus heureux que le gourmand.

For more information, see La Ligue des Gourmands, founded by Escoffier in 1913, and the book Le Maître des Saveurs, by Michel Gall.