'archphylarch' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'arch-' (from ἀρχ-) and 'phylarchēs' (φυλάρχης), where 'arch-' meant 'chief' and 'phylarchēs' meant 'leader of a tribe'.

'archphylarch' developed as a compound of Greek elements and appears in medieval and modern scholarly writings (via Byzantine Greek or Latinized forms such as 'archiphylarchos'), later entering English usage as a learned/archaic term for a chief phylarch.

Initially it meant 'the chief among phylarchs' in literal, historical contexts; over time it has remained an uncommon, specialized term used mainly in historical or academic descriptions of tribal/military leadership.