'Presbyterian' originates from Late Latin/French, specifically from Late Latin 'presbyterianus' and French 'presbytérien', which are formed from 'presbyter' meaning 'elder'.

'Presbyterian' traces back through Middle English and Anglo-Norman forms derived from Late Latin 'presbyterianus', which itself comes from Greek 'presbyteros' ('elder'). The term developed in English to denote those belonging to churches governed by elders.

Initially related to 'elder' or 'of elders' (i.e., pertaining to elders), it evolved to denote a specific church polity and the denomination (followers and doctrines) now called 'Presbyterian'.