'autoelevation' originates from Greek and Latin elements: the Greek prefix 'auto-' (from Greek 'autós') meaning 'self', combined with the Late Latin/Latin-derived word 'elevation' (from Latin 'elevatio', from 'elevare') meaning 'a raising up'.

'auto-' (Greek 'autós' meaning 'self') was attached in Modern English to the established English noun 'elevation' (from Latin 'elevatio') to form a compound meaning 'self-raising' or 'automatic raising'; the compound likely arose in technical contexts in the 20th century and by analogy with similar compounds (e.g., 'auto-rotation', 'autofocus').

Initially formed to denote a literal or mechanical process of raising oneself or a device ('self-raising' or 'automatic raising'); over time it is also used figuratively to denote raising one's status or prominence (self-promotion).