'arcticologist' originates from Modern English, specifically the combination of 'Arctic' + '-ologist', where 'Arctic' ultimately comes from Greek 'arktikos' meaning 'of the bear' or 'northern', and the suffix '-ologist' comes from Greek 'logia'/'logos' meaning 'study' or 'word'.

'Arctic' came into English via Latin and French from Greek 'arktos' ("bear"), producing 'arktikos' ("of the bear/northern"). The combining form '-ologist' derives from Greek 'log-/-logia' and entered English through Medieval and Modern scientific formation (e.g., 'biologist', 'geologist'), producing 'arctic' + '-ologist' -> 'arcticologist'.

Initially built as a modern compound meaning 'a person who studies the Arctic', the term's meaning has remained essentially the same as its formation.