'archduke' originates from the Greek prefix 'arch-' (from Greek 'arkhē'/'arkhos') meaning 'chief' or 'principal' and from Latin 'dux' (via Old French 'duc') meaning 'leader'; the compound was reinforced by the German title 'Erzherzog'.

'dux' in Latin became Old French 'duc' and English 'duke'; the Greek element 'arch-' (meaning 'chief') combined with 'duke' to form the English title 'archduke', influenced by German 'Erzherzog' used for Habsburg rulers, and the English form stabilized in use from the late medieval/early modern period.

Initially the elements meant 'chief leader'; over time the combined form came to denote a specific hereditary noble title (a rank above a duke, often associated with the Habsburg monarchy).