'hunter' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hunta', where 'hunt' meant 'to chase' or 'to hunt'.

'hunter' changed from Old English 'hunta' and the verb 'huntian'; through Middle English forms such as 'hunte' it eventually became the modern English word 'hunter'.

Initially, it meant 'one who hunts or chases animals'; over time this core meaning has remained largely the same, though it also broadened to include people who seek things (e.g., treasure hunters, head hunters).