'animator' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'animātor,' where the verb 'animāre' meant 'to give life' (from 'anima' meaning 'breath, life, soul').

'animātor' influenced French 'animateur' and combined in English with the suffix '-or' from the verb 'animate,' and eventually became the modern English word 'animator'.

Initially, it meant 'one who gives life or spirit,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who creates animated works (films, TV, games),' while the broader sense still exists in some contexts.