'autotrepanation' originates from Greek and modern English formation, specifically Greek 'autos' and the word 'trepanation', where 'autos' meant 'self' and Greek 'trypanon' (via Latin/French) meant 'borer' (a tool for cutting/drilling).

'trepanation' comes from Greek 'trypanon' → Latin/French forms (e.g. Medieval Latin/Old French trepanon/trepan) and entered English as 'trepan'/'trepanation'; 'autotrepanation' is a modern English compound formed by prefixing 'auto-' (from Greek) to 'trepanation'.

Initially the Greek root 'trypanon' referred to a 'borer' (the tool); over time the derived term 'trepanation' came to mean the operation of cutting or drilling the skull, and 'autotrepanation' later narrowed the meaning to indicate that the procedure is self‑performed.