'agonistarch' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀγωνιστάρχης' (agonistarches), where 'ἀγών' (agon) meant 'contest' and 'ἄρχω' (archo) meant 'to lead or rule.'

'ἀγωνιστάρχης' transformed into the Latin word 'agonistarcha,' and eventually became the modern English word 'agonistarch.'

Initially, it meant 'leader of contests,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'official overseeing games.'