'archonship' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'archōn' (Ancient Greek 'ἄρχων'), where 'archōn' meant 'ruler' or 'leader', combined with the Old English/Old Norse-derived suffix 'ship' (from Old English 'scipe'/'scip') meaning 'state, condition, office'.

'archon' was borrowed into Medieval and Modern English from Ancient Greek (often via Latin as 'archon' or scholarly forms), and the English suffix '-ship' (from Old English 'scipe') was attached to form 'archonship' in Modern English to denote the office or condition of being an archon.

Initially, the components directly indicated 'the state or office of a ruler (archon)', and over time the combined form has retained this specific meaning referring to the office or term of an archon.