'Caliph' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'khalīfa,' where 'khalīfa' meant 'successor' or 'steward.'

'khalīfa' transformed into the medieval Latin word 'calipha,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Caliph.'

Initially, it meant 'successor' or 'steward,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a spiritual leader of Islam.'