'arkie' originates from English, specifically the word 'Arkansas', where the place-name 'Arkansas' (via French 'Arcansas') comes from a Siouan word referring to a local people and the suffix '-ie' was used to form an informal or affectionate demonym.

'arkie' changed from a colloquial/affectionate shortening or diminutive of 'Arkansas' used in American English in the late 19th to early 20th century and eventually became the informal demonym 'arkie'.

Initially, it meant 'relating to Arkansas' or served as an informal label tied to the place name, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person from Arkansas' (used colloquially).