'ananke' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ἀνάγκη' (anánkē), where it meant 'necessity' or 'force of constraint.'

'ἀνάγκη' (anánkē) was adopted into Latin as 'Ananke' and eventually used in English to refer to the Greek mythological figure and the concept of necessity.

Initially, it meant 'necessity' or 'compulsion' in Greek, and in English it retains this meaning, especially in mythological or philosophical contexts.