'autotype' originates from Greek elements, specifically 'auto-' and 'typos', where 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'typos' meant 'impression, mark' (i.e., a type or impression).

'autotype' was coined in English in the 19th century (in photographic and printing contexts), formed from the Greek-derived combining forms (via Neo-Latin/French usage), and entered technical vocabulary to name the printing/reproduction process and its products.

Initially it referred specifically to a photomechanical or photographic method of producing prints (and the prints themselves); over time it broadened in rare usage to mean an exact copy or replica and to describe the act of producing such a print.