'archdeaconry' originates from English, formed from 'archdeacon' + the noun-forming suffix '-ry'. The element 'archdeacon' ultimately comes from Greek 'arkhi-'/'archi-' meaning 'chief' and 'diakonos' meaning 'servant'.

'archdeacon' passed into English via Late Latin 'archidiaconus' and Old French forms, becoming Middle English 'archdeacon'; the noun 'archdeaconry' developed by adding the suffix '-ry' to denote the office or district.

Initially it referred to the office or jurisdiction of an archdeacon, and this core meaning has largely been retained, though specific administrative senses and boundary usages have varied over time.