'humanism' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'humanus', where 'humanus' meant 'of or belonging to humans'; the suffix '-ism' (from Greek/Latin) denotes a practice or system of beliefs.

'humanus' in Latin led to 'humanitas' (meaning culture, humanity) and to Italian Renaissance terms like 'umanista' (a scholar of the humanities); through French 'humanisme' the term entered modern English as 'humanism' in the 19th century.

Initially connected with 'humanities' and the Renaissance focus on classical learning and human culture, the term broadened over time to denote a wider ethical and philosophical stance emphasizing human value and often secular ethics.