'anatman' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'anātman', where 'an-' meant 'not' and 'ātman' meant 'self' or 'soul'.

'anātman' was adopted directly into English philosophical and religious discourse, especially in the context of Buddhist studies, and became the modern English word 'anatman'.

Initially, it meant 'not-self' or 'absence of a permanent soul', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage, especially in Buddhist philosophy.