'author' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'auctor', where 'augere' meant 'to increase or originate'.

'auctor' transformed into the Old French word 'autor', and eventually became the modern English word 'author' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'one who causes to grow or increase', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a writer of a book, article, or document'.