'Aramaean' originates from Late Latin and Greek usage referring to the people of Aram; ultimately from the place-name 'Aram' (Biblical).

'Aramaean' developed via Greek 'Αραμαῖος' ('Aramaios') and Latin 'Aramaeus' into Middle English forms and eventually the modern English 'Aramaean'.

Initially it meant 'a person from Aram' (the geographic/tribal designation); over time it also came to describe the language, inscriptions, and cultural attributes associated with those people.