'earthling' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'eorþling,' where 'eorþ' meant 'earth' and '-ling' was a diminutive suffix.

'eorþling' transformed into the Middle English word 'erthling,' and eventually became the modern English word 'earthling'.

Initially, it meant 'a small creature of the earth,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a human being or inhabitant of Earth'.