'ground-dweller' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'ground' and 'dweller', where 'ground' ultimately comes from Old English 'grund' meaning 'bottom, earth' and 'dweller' derives from the verb 'dwell' (Old English 'dwellan') meaning 'to live or remain'.

'ground' changed from the Old English word 'grund' (meaning 'bottom, earth') into Middle English 'ground' and then Modern English 'ground'; 'dwell' changed from Old English 'dwellan' (or related forms) into Middle English 'dwellen' and eventually the Modern English verb 'dwell', giving rise to the agent noun 'dweller' and the compound 'ground-dweller'.

Initially the elements referred to 'ground' (the earth or bottom) and 'one who dwells'; combined they meant 'one who lives on the ground' and over time this direct sense has been retained in modern usage.