'earthly' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'eorþlic,' where 'eorþ' meant 'earth' and '-lic' meant 'like or pertaining to.'

'eorþlic' transformed into the Middle English word 'ertheli,' and eventually became the modern English word 'earthly.'

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to the earth,' but over time it evolved to include meanings related to human life and experience.