'amban' originates from the Manchu language, specifically the word 'amban,' where 'am-' meant 'to be' and '-ban' meant 'official.'

'amban' was adopted into English from the Manchu word 'amban,' used during the Qing dynasty to denote high-ranking officials.

Initially, it meant 'official,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a high-ranking official in the Qing dynasty.'