'archchief' originates from Modern English, specifically formed by combining the prefix 'arch-' from Greek 'arkhos' where 'arch-' meant 'chief, principal', and the word 'chief' from Old French 'chef' (from Late Latin 'caput') meaning 'head'.

'archchief' was created in English as a compound of 'arch-' + 'chief'; 'chief' itself changed from Old French 'chef' (from Late Latin 'caput') into Middle English 'chef/chief', and the compound was used in English to denote a foremost leader or paramount chief.

Initially, it meant 'principal chief' or 'foremost leader', and this meaning has largely remained unchanged in modern usage.