'anthem' originates from Medieval Latin 'anthemum' and Late Latin 'antiphona', ultimately from Greek 'antiphōnē' ('ἀντιφωνή'), where 'anti-' meant 'opposite' or 'in return' and 'phōnē' meant 'voice' or 'sound'.

'anthem' changed from Medieval Latin/Old French forms (via ecclesiastical Latin 'antiphona'/'anthemum') into Middle English (e.g. 'antem', 'anthem') and eventually became the modern English word 'anthem'.

Initially, it referred to a call-and-response or antiphonal church song; over time the meaning broadened to include hymns, patriotic songs, and any rousing signature song of a group.