'archness' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'arch' + the suffix '-ness' (a noun-forming suffix meaning 'state or quality').

'arch' in English developed from Middle English 'arch(e)'; the element 'arch-' as a prefix is ultimately from Greek 'arkhós' (ἄρχος) meaning 'chief' or 'ruler', and the modern adjective 'arch' acquired senses of 'cunning, sly, or playfully mischievous' in later English usage; 'archness' was formed by adding '-ness' to denote that quality.

Initially, the root sense associated with 'arch-' related to 'chief' or 'principal' (from Greek), but in English the adjective 'arch' shifted to include 'mischievous' or 'mocking' senses; 'archness' therefore came to mean 'the quality of being arch' (playful slyness) rather than 'chiefdom' or leadership.