'auriga' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aurīga', where it meant 'charioteer'.

'auriga' changed from Latin/Medieval Latin 'aurīga' (used for a chariot driver) and was adopted into English as the noun 'auriga', later also used as the proper name of the constellation Auriga.

Initially, it meant 'charioteer' in Latin; over time it also came to refer to the constellation named for a charioteer, while retaining the original sense in historical or literary contexts.