'anti-aristocracy' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti', meaning 'against') combined with 'aristocracy', which originates from Greek 'aristokratia' where 'aristos' meant 'best' and 'kratos' meant 'rule'.

'Aristocracy' entered English via Latin 'aristocratia' and French 'aristocratie' from Greek 'aristokratia'; the modern compound 'anti-aristocracy' was created in English by combining the prefix 'anti-' with this inherited noun.

Originally 'aristocracy' meant 'rule by the best' (Greek concept); over time it came to be used for hereditary nobility or privileged ruling classes. 'Anti-aristocracy' therefore has long meant opposition to rule or privilege by such a class and retains that sense today.