'Afrikaner' originates from Dutch, specifically the word 'Afrikaan,' where 'Afrika' referred to the continent of Africa.

'Afrikaan' transformed into the Dutch word 'Afrikaner,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Afrikaner' through Afrikaans.

Initially, it meant 'an inhabitant of Africa,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a South African of European descent whose native language is Afrikaans.'