'azilut' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'אצילות' (atzilut), where the Hebrew root א-צ-ל (ʾ-ṣ-l) is associated historically with nobility/eminence and later technical mystical usage.

'azilut' entered European languages via medieval and early modern Jewish mystical writings and transliteration (and was adopted into Christian Kabbalistic and occult literature), transforming from Hebrew 'אצילות' (atzilut) into English forms such as 'atzilut' or 'azilut'.

Initially related to the idea of nobility/eminence in Hebrew usage, it became specialized in Kabbalistic literature to mean the specific metaphysical 'world of emanation' and retained that technical sense in modern occult and academic contexts.