'esotericist' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'esōterikos' (meaning 'inner' or 'belonging to the inner group'), formed into English by adding the agentive suffix '-ist' to 'esoteric' to denote a person who adheres to or practices esoteric doctrines.

'esotericist' derives from English 'esoteric' (from French 'ésotérique' and Latinized forms), which in turn comes from Greek 'esōterikos'; the modern English noun was formed by combining 'esoteric' + '-ist'.

Initially related to 'inner' or 'within' (Greek), the sense evolved to refer to knowledge restricted to an inner group or specialized circle; 'esotericist' now denotes a person associated with such knowledge or practices.