'afterworld' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'æfter' meaning 'after' and 'weoruld' meaning 'world'.

'æfterweoruld' transformed into the Middle English word 'afterwerld', and eventually became the modern English word 'afterworld'.

Initially, it meant 'the world after this one', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a realm or place believed to exist after death'.