'archpoet' originates from the combining form 'arch-' (from Greek 'arkhē/arkhos') meaning 'chief, principal' and the word 'poet' (from Latin 'poeta', from Greek 'poiētēs') meaning 'maker' or 'poet'.

'archpoet' developed from medieval Latin 'archipoeta' (used as a title or nickname for a notable poet). The medieval Latin form 'archipoeta' referred to a prominent poet and was later adopted into English as 'archpoet'.

Initially, it referred specifically to the medieval figure known as 'Archipoeta' (the 12th-century poet); over time it has also been used more generally or figuratively to mean a 'chief' or leading poet.