'hatchling' originates from English word-formation combining 'hatch' with the diminutive suffix '-ling', where '-ling' meant 'young' or 'small one'.

'hatchling' was formed in Middle English from the verb 'hatch' plus the suffix '-ling' and eventually became the modern English word 'hatchling'.

Initially, it meant 'a young animal that has just hatched', and over time this basic meaning has been retained in modern usage.