'affectionately' originates from the Latin word 'affectio', where 'affectio' meant 'a relation or disposition towards someone or something'.

'affectio' transformed into the Old French word 'affection', and eventually became the modern English word 'affectionately'.

Initially, it meant 'a relation or disposition towards someone', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'showing fondness or tenderness'.