'archisynagogos' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ἀρχισυναγωγός (archisynagōgos)', where 'archi-' meant 'chief, principal' and 'synagōgos' meant 'leader of a gathering' or 'one who leads a synagogue'.

'archisynagogos' entered English usage via Late Latin and ecclesiastical/LXX and New Testament scholarship; the form was preserved from Greek in biblical and academic contexts rather than being translated into a common English compound.

Initially it designated the actual officeholder 'chief/president of a synagogue' in ancient Jewish communities; over time it has remained a specialized historical and biblical term with the same basic sense but limited modern usage.