'Syriac' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Syriakós' (Συριακός), where the suffix '-akos' meant 'pertaining to' and 'Syria' referred to the ancient region.

'Syriac' passed into Late Latin as 'Syriacus' and Medieval Latin 'Syriacus', and from there into Old French and Middle English before becoming the modern English word 'Syriac'.

Initially it meant 'of or belonging to Syria (the region)', but over time it came to be used more specifically for the language, script, literature, and Christian traditions associated with Syriac-speaking communities.