'hermitage' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'hermitage', where 'hermite' meant 'hermit' and the suffix '-age' indicated a place or result.

'hermitage' changed from Medieval Latin 'hermitagium' (or Late Latin 'hermitaticum') and Old French 'hermitage', and eventually became the modern English word 'hermitage'.

Initially, it meant 'the dwelling of a hermit'; over time it retained that sense while also broadening to mean any secluded retreat and, as a capitalized form, the famous museum 'The Hermitage'.