'councilman' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'counseil,' where 'counseil' meant 'assembly or meeting.'

'counseil' transformed into the Old French word 'conseil,' and eventually became the modern English word 'council' through Middle English, with 'man' added to denote a male member.

Initially, it meant 'a member of an assembly,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.