'Shakespearean' originates from Modern English, formed from the proper name 'Shakespeare' plus the adjectival suffix '-an' (from Latin '-ānus'), where the suffix meant 'pertaining to' or 'of'.

'Shakespeare' itself comes from Middle English forms such as 'Shakespere' or 'Shakespere,' likely a compound of 'shake' + 'spear' (i.e., 'one who brandishes a spear' or a nickname). The adjective was created by adding '-an' to the name, producing 'Shakespearean' in later Modern English.

Initially it meant simply 'of or relating to Shakespeare (the man),' and over time it broadened to mean 'in the style of Shakespeare' or 'having characteristics typical of Shakespeare's works.'