'archimage' originates from Greek and Old Persian (via Greek), specifically the prefix 'archi-' from Greek 'arkhi-' where it meant 'chief', and the element 'mage' from Old Persian 'magus' (through Greek 'magos') where it meant 'magician'.

'archimage' changed from Medieval Latin/Latinized form 'archimagus' and Old French 'archimage' and eventually became the modern English word 'archimage' in Middle English and later literary use.

Initially, it meant 'chief magician' (a leading or principal magician); over time it has largely retained that meaning but is now often used in fantasy literature or figuratively to denote supreme skill.