'anesthesiologist' originates from 'anesthesia' (from Greek 'anaisthēsia' meaning 'lack of sensation') and the suffix '-logist' (from Greek 'logia' meaning 'study of').

'anesthesia' entered English in the 19th century from Greek roots, and 'anesthesiologist' was formed in American English in the early 20th century to denote a specialist in anesthesia.

Initially, it referred specifically to a medical specialist in anesthesia, and this meaning has remained consistent.