'grayish' originates from Old English elements, specifically the word 'grǣg' (Old English) and the suffix '-isc' (Old English), where 'grǣg' meant 'gray' and '-isc' meant 'having the nature of or resembling'.

'gray' changed from the Old English word 'grǣg' to Middle English forms like 'grey/gray', and the adjective 'grayish' developed by adding the suffix '-ish' (from Old English '-isc') in Middle English, eventually becoming the modern English 'grayish'.

Initially, it meant 'having a gray color' or 'somewhat gray', and over time it has largely retained that meaning as 'somewhat gray or tinged with gray'.