'heathen' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hǣthen,' where 'hǣth' meant 'heath' or 'wasteland,' implying someone living in the wilderness.

'hǣthen' transformed into the Middle English word 'hethen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'heathen'.

Initially, it meant 'dweller on the heath,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'non-believer or pagan'.