'anax' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ἄναξ' (ánax), where it meant 'lord' or 'king'.

'ἄναξ' was used in Mycenaean Greek as 'wanax', and eventually became the classical Greek 'anax', which was borrowed into English in scholarly and historical contexts.

Initially, it meant 'king' or 'ruler' in ancient Greek, and in modern usage, it retains this meaning, especially in reference to ancient contexts.