'anthologist' originates from Greek via Latin and Old French, specifically the word 'anthologia', where 'anthos' meant 'flower' and the element '-logia' (from 'legein'/'logos') meant 'a gathering' or 'collection'.

'anthologist' developed by adding the agent suffix '-ist' to English 'anthology' (from Medieval Latin 'anthologia' and Old French 'anthologie'), eventually becoming the modern English noun 'anthologist'.

Initially related to 'anthologia' meaning 'a gathering of flowers' (used metaphorically for a 'collection of choice pieces'), the sense shifted to refer to the person who compiles such collections: 'a compiler or editor of an anthology'.