'anargyroi' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀνάργυροι' (anárgyroi), where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'argyros' meant 'silver' or 'money', referring to those who did not accept payment.

'ἀνάργυροι' was adopted into ecclesiastical Latin as 'anargyri', and eventually became the English term 'anargyroi' to refer to these saints.

Initially, it meant 'those without silver (money)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'saints who did not accept payment for their services'.