  We show that non-Abelian discrete symmetries in orbifold string models have a
gauge origin. This can be understood when looking at the vicinity of a symmetry
enhanced point in moduli space. At such an enhanced point, orbifold fixed
points are characterized by an enhanced gauge symmetry. This gauge symmetry can
be broken to a discrete subgroup by a nontrivial vacuum expectation value of
the K\"ahler modulus $T$. Using this mechanism it is shown that the
$\Delta(54)$ non-Abelian discrete symmetry group originates from a $SU(3)$
gauge symmetry, whereas the $D_4$ symmetry group is obtained from a $SU(2)$
gauge symmetry.
