'anglophilia' originates from the combining form 'Anglo-' (from Latin 'Angli', the Angles/England) and the Greek element 'philia' (from 'philos') meaning 'love, affection'.

'anglophilia' developed as an abstract noun in English from the adjective/noun 'anglophile' (attested in the mid-19th century), which came via French 'anglophile' from the Greek element 'philos' combined with 'Anglo-'.

Initially it denoted fondness or admiration specifically for the English (the Angles) or English things; over time it has come to mean a general love or strong preference for England or British culture and customs.