'almah' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'عَالِمَة‎ (ʿālima)', where 'ʿālima' meant 'learned woman'.

'ʿālima' transformed into the French word 'almeh,' and eventually became the modern English word 'almah'.

Initially, it meant 'learned woman', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a professional female singer or dancer'.