'Israelite' originates from the Hebrew word 'Yisra'el,' which referred to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel.

'Yisra'el' was adopted into Greek as 'Israēlitēs' and then into Latin as 'Israelita,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'Israelite.'

Initially, it referred specifically to the descendants of Jacob, but over time it has come to refer more broadly to members of the ancient Hebrew nation.