'anti-Marianist' is formed from the combining prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'antí') meaning 'against' and 'Marianist' (relating to 'Marian', from Latin 'Maria', referring to the Virgin Mary).

'Marian' derives from Latin 'Maria' (from Greek 'Mariam' or 'Maria'), ultimately from the Hebrew name 'Miryam' (Miriam); 'Marianist' denotes one associated with Marian devotion, and the compound 'anti-Marianist' developed by adding the prefix 'anti-' to indicate opposition.

Initially elements referred simply to 'relating to Mary' (Marian) and 'against' (anti-); over time the compound came to mean specifically 'opposed to Marian devotion or Marianism' in theological or cultural contexts.