'argive' originates from Latin and Greek, specifically from Latin 'Argivus' (borrowed from Greek 'Ἀργῖος' / 'Argîos'), where the root referred to the place-name 'Argos' (the city).

'argive' changed from the Latin/Greek formation 'Argivus'/'Argîos' into Middle English usage (via Old French influence) and eventually became the modern English adjective and noun 'argive'.

Initially, it meant 'of or from Argos' (a specific locality); over time it also acquired a broader, poetic meaning of 'Greek' in epic contexts, while modern usage usually retains the more specific local sense.