'bakuninist' originates from English, specifically from the surname 'Bakunin' (the Russian anarchist Mikhail Bakunin) combined with the suffix '-ist', where '-ist' meant 'one who practices, is concerned with, or supports'.

'bakuninist' developed in the 19th century from the name 'Bakunin' and the ideological label 'Bakuninism' (the doctrine associated with Bakunin); the agent noun form 'Bakuninist' was formed to denote a follower and became established in English usage.

Initially it meant 'a follower or supporter of Bakunin' and this core meaning has largely remained unchanged, though it can also be used adjectivally to describe ideas aligned with Bakunin.