'amir' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'أمير' (amīr), where 'amīr' meant 'commander' or 'prince'.

'أمير' (amīr) was adopted into English as 'amir', maintaining its original meaning of a high-ranking official or nobleman.

Initially, it meant 'commander' or 'prince', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.