'-archy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'arkhē', where 'arkhē' meant 'beginning, rule, authority'.

'-archy' changed from Medieval Latin word 'archia' (from Greek 'arkhē') and eventually became the modern English suffix '-archy' used to form nouns meaning types of rule or government.

Initially, it meant 'beginning' or 'rule', but over time it evolved into the more specific meaning of 'a form of government' or 'rule by (a specified group or person)'.