'Achitophel' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'אֲחִיתֹפֶל' (Achitophel), where 'אֲחִי' (achi) meant 'brother' and 'תֹפֶל' (tophel) meant 'folly'.

'אֲחִיתֹפֶל' transformed into the Greek word 'Αχιτόφελ' and eventually became the modern English word 'Achitophel'.

Initially, it meant 'brother of folly', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a wise counselor who betrays'.