'Christ' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Christos', where 'Christos' meant 'anointed one' (from the verb meaning 'to anoint'); this reflects the Hebrew 'māšîaḥ' ('messiah').

'Christ' changed from Old English 'Crist' (borrowed via Latin 'Christus' from Greek 'Christos') and eventually became the modern English word 'Christ'.

Initially, it meant 'anointed one' (the expected messiah); over time it became primarily a title for Jesus of Nazareth and a central theological term in Christianity.