'foundress' originates from English, specifically formed from the verb 'found' plus the feminine suffix '-ess' (from Old French '-esse'), where 'found' meant 'to establish' and '-ess' marked a female agent.

'foundress' developed from earlier English formations: Latin 'fundare' (to lay a foundation) passed into Old French as 'fond(er)' / 'fonder', then into Middle English as 'found(en)'/'founder' (one who establishes), and later the feminine agentive suffix '-ess' was added to produce 'foundress'.

Initially, it meant 'a woman who establishes or sets up something', and over time this meaning has remained largely unchanged, referring specifically to a female founder.