'encourager' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'encoragier' (from 'en-' + 'corage'), where 'en-' meant 'in' or 'make' and 'corage' (from Latin 'cor') meant 'heart'.

'encourager' developed through Middle English from Old French 'encoragier' / 'encouragen' and eventually became the modern English 'encourage' and its agent noun 'encourager'.

Initially, it meant 'to put heart into' or 'to make brave'; over time it evolved to mean 'to give support, confidence, or hope', and the noun 'encourager' came to mean 'one who provides such support'.