'comforter' originates from Middle English, from Old French 'conforter', ultimately from Latin 'confortare' where 'con-' (intensive) and 'fortis' meant 'strong'.

'comforter' changed from Old French 'conforter' and Middle English forms like 'comforten' into the modern English noun 'comforter' (agent noun formed from the verb 'comfort').

Initially, related to 'strengthening' or 'encouraging' (to make strong); over time it evolved to mean 'one who consoles' and, by extension in North American usage, a warm bed covering (duvet/quilting) that provides physical comfort.