'apocryphist' originates from English, formed from 'apocrypha' + the suffix '-ist', where 'apocrypha' comes from Greek 'apokryphos' meaning 'hidden'.

'apokryphos' (Greek) passed into Late Latin as 'apocrypha' (literally 'hidden things') and into Middle English as 'apocrypha'; English later formed the agent-noun 'apocryphist' (one associated with apocrypha).

Initially referring to 'hidden things' (Greek) and then to writings of doubtful authenticity ('apocrypha'), the English 'apocryphist' came to mean someone who writes, compiles, or deals in such dubious texts and, by extension, someone who spreads spurious stories.