'astronomer' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'astronomos,' where 'astro-' meant 'star' and 'nomos' meant 'law.'

'astronomos' transformed into the Latin word 'astronomus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'astronomer' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one who studies the laws of the stars,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a scientist who studies celestial bodies.'