'archimagus' originates from Greek and Old Persian, specifically the elements 'archi-' (from Greek 'arkhí') meaning 'chief' and 'magus' (from Old Persian 'maguš') meaning 'priest' or 'magician'.

'archimagus' was formed in Medieval Latin as 'archimagus' by combining Greek 'archi-' and Latin/Greek 'magus'; it later entered English usage, especially in literary and fantasy contexts.

Initially, it meant 'chief priest or magician', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'chief magician; archmage', particularly in fictional and fantasy usage.