'cartoonist' originates from English, specifically from the noun 'cartoon' combined with the suffix '-ist' meaning 'one who does'. The word 'cartoon' itself comes from Italian 'cartone' meaning 'large paper' or 'cardboard'.

'cartoon' entered English via Italian 'cartone' (and French 'carton') where it referred to a preparatory drawing on strong paper; in the 19th century the sense 'humorous or satirical drawing' (popularized by publications such as Punch) became common, and from this the agent noun 'cartoonist' developed in English.

Initially, 'cartoon' meant 'a preparatory design on strong paper'; over time it shifted to mean 'a humorous or satirical drawing' and thus 'cartoonist' came to mean 'a person who draws such cartoons'.