'Libyan' originates from the name 'Libya', ultimately from Ancient Greek 'Λιβύη' ('Libúē'), and the adjectival suffix '-an' (from Latin '-ānus') meaning 'pertaining to'.

'Libyan' changed from Ancient Greek 'Λιβύη' to Latin 'Libya', then to Modern English 'Libya'; the adjective was formed by adding the suffix '-an' to produce 'Libyan'.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to the historical region called Libya' and referred to its people; over time it evolved into the current meanings 'relating to the modern state of Libya' and the demonym 'a Libyan'.