'archruler' originates from a combination of Greek and later English formation: the prefix 'arch-' comes from Greek 'arkhē'/'arkhos' meaning 'chief' or 'principal', while 'ruler' derives from Old French/Latin roots ultimately from Latin 'regula' meaning 'a rule' or 'straight stick', with 'ruler' formed in English as 'one who rules'.

'arch-' entered English via Medieval Latin and Old French as a productive combining form (seen in words like 'archbishop'), and 'ruler' developed from Old French forms of 'rule' (from Latin 'regula') into Middle and Modern English; the compound 'archruler' was formed in Modern English to denote a chief ruler.

Initially, the prefix 'arch-' meant 'chief' and 'ruler' meant 'one who governs'; combined, the term has consistently meant 'chief ruler' and has retained that primary sense, though its use has remained relatively rare and somewhat literary.