'anti-nepotism' originates from Modern English, formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') and 'nepotism' (from Italian 'nepotismo', ultimately from Latin 'nepos' meaning 'nephew').

'nepotism' came into English via Italian 'nepotismo', itself from Latin 'nepos'/'nepot-' meaning 'nephew'. The prefix 'anti-' (Greek) was attached in Modern English to form the compound 'anti-nepotism' to denote opposition to that practice.

Initially, 'nepotism' referred especially to the appointment of nephews to ecclesiastical offices (notably by Renaissance popes); over time it broadened to mean preferential treatment of relatives in general, and 'anti-nepotism' has consistently meant opposition to that practice.