'Sufi' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'ṣūfī', where 'ṣūf' meant 'wool', referring to the woolen garments worn by early Sufis.

'ṣūfī' changed from the Arabic word 'ṣūf' and eventually became the modern English word 'Sufi'.

Initially, it referred to 'one who wears wool', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a member of a mystical Islamic sect'.