handsome (adj.) c.1400, handsom "easy to handle, ready at hand," from hand (n.) + -some (1). Sense extended to "fair size, considerable" (1570s), then "having fine form, good-looking" (1580s). Meaning "generous" (in handsome reward, etc.) first recorded 1680s. ---- from Etymology Online

etymonline.com is a very useful site, and I'm glad to see other members are using it! :) It's very revealing that, in English, the attractiveness of a man is (historically) connected to his usefulness, isn't it?