'artiste' originates from French, specifically the word 'artiste', ultimately from Italian 'artista' and from Latin root 'ars, artis' where 'ars' meant 'skill' or 'craft'.

'artiste' changed from Italian 'artista' (and the Latin root 'ars, artis') into Middle French 'artiste', and eventually became the modern English borrowing 'artiste'.

Initially it referred broadly to someone skilled in an art or craft ('maker' or 'practitioner of art'); over time it narrowed in usage to mean a professional performer or entertainer, often implying theatrical flair or showmanship.