'Baptist' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'baptista', ultimately from Greek 'baptistēs', where 'baptizein' meant 'to dip' or 'to immerse'.

'Baptist' changed from the Greek word 'baptistēs' into Late Latin 'baptista', passed into Late Middle English (via ecclesiastical Latin and usage referring to 'one who baptizes'), and eventually became the modern English denominational name 'Baptist'.

Initially, it meant 'one who baptizes' or 'a baptizer'; over time it evolved into the name for a group/denomination of Christians characterized by the practice of believer's baptism and related doctrines.