'archive' originates from the Greek word 'arkheion,' where 'arkhē' meant 'government' or 'rule.'

'arkheion' transformed into the Latin word 'archivum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'archive' through Old French 'archif.'

Initially, it meant 'a place where public records are kept,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a collection of historical documents.'