'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 18th century from Greek, and 'anesthesiologist' was formed in the early 20th century in American English to refer to a specialist in anesthesia.

Initially, it referred specifically to a person who studies anesthesia, but now it means a medical doctor specializing in administering anesthesia.