'autolithograph' originates from Greek elements: 'auto-' from Greek 'autós' meaning 'self', and 'lithograph' from Greek 'lithos' meaning 'stone' plus 'graphein' meaning 'to write/draw'.

'autolithograph' was formed in English by combining 'auto-' and 'lithograph' (the latter entering English via French 'lithographie' in the early 19th century, after the invention of lithography). The compound came into use in English in the late 19th to early 20th century to denote prints drawn on the stone by the artist.

Initially and historically it has meant 'a lithograph made or drawn by the artist on the stone or plate'; this specific sense has been retained in modern usage.