'archangel' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'archángelos', where 'arch-' meant 'chief' and 'angelos' meant 'messenger (angel).

'archangel' changed from Late Latin 'archangelus' (from Greek 'archángelos') and entered English via Medieval/Old French and Middle English forms (e.g. Middle English 'archeangel'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'archangel'.

Initially, it meant 'chief messenger' and over time the meaning solidified as 'a chief or highest-ranking angel', which remains its primary sense today.