'Akkadist' originates from 'Akkadian', specifically the word 'Akkad', where 'Akkad' referred to an ancient region in Mesopotamia.

'Akkadist' changed from the term 'Akkadian scholar' and eventually became the modern English word 'Akkadist'.

Initially, it meant 'a scholar of Akkadian language', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a scholar or expert in Akkadian culture'.