'annuary' originates from French, specifically the word 'annuaire', ultimately from Latin 'annus' meaning 'year' with the suffix '-arium' denoting a place or thing related to.

'annuary' entered English via Middle French/modern French 'annuaire' (meaning a yearly register or directory) and was adopted into English in Early Modern/Modern periods as 'annuary' with similar senses.

Initially it meant 'pertaining to a year' or 'yearly', and over time it became used more specifically for 'an annual publication' or 'yearbook'; usage is now rare or archaic.