'eremite' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'erēmitēs,' where 'erēmos' meant 'desert.'

'erēmitēs' transformed into the Latin word 'eremita,' and eventually became the modern English word 'eremite' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'a person living in the desert,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a hermit or recluse.'