'arithmomancy' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'arithmos' and 'manteia', where 'arithmos' meant 'number' and 'manteia' meant 'divination'.

'arithmomancy' was formed in English from the combining form 'arithmo-' (from Greek 'arithmos') plus the suffix '-mancy' (from Greek 'manteia') via Medieval/Neo-Latin coinages, eventually becoming the modern English word 'arithmomancy'.

Initially, it meant 'divination by numbers', and this basic meaning has remained in modern usage.