'anagrammatist' originates from French, specifically the word 'anagrammatiste,' which is derived from 'anagramme' (anagram) and the suffix '-iste' (one who practices).

'anagrammatiste' was adopted into English as 'anagrammatist' in the 17th century, and eventually became the modern English word 'anagrammatist.'

Initially, it meant 'one who makes or solves anagrams,' and this meaning has remained unchanged in modern usage.