'averroist' originates from the name 'Averroes', the Latinized form of the Arabic name Ibn Rushd; the English noun was formed by adding the agentive suffix '-ist' to the name.

'averroist' developed from Medieval Latin and vernacular usages referring to supporters of 'Averroes' and entered English as the term for adherents of his thought (compare Medieval Latin 'Averroista').

Initially, it meant 'a follower or advocate of Averroes' and has retained that specific meaning in modern usage describing proponents of his doctrines.