'classifier' originates from English, formed from the verb 'classify' plus the agentive suffix '-er,' where '-er' meant 'one that performs an action.' 'Classify' ultimately traces to French 'classifier' from Latin 'classis' ('class') and a formation related to '-ficare' ('to make').

'classifier' was created in English by adding '-er' to the verb 'classify'; 'classify' came from French 'classifier,' influenced by Latin 'classis' and '-ficare,' and became the modern English form through Middle French and Early Modern English.

Initially, it meant 'one who classifies,' and later broadened to include devices and, by extension, technical senses in linguistics and machine learning.