'acolyth' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'acolythus', where 'acolythus' meant 'follower' or 'attendant'.

'acolythus' changed from the Greek word 'akolouthos' and eventually became the modern English word 'acolyth'.

Initially, it meant 'follower or attendant', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.