'index-maker' is a Modern English compound formed from 'index' and 'maker'. 'Index' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'index' (from Late Latin 'index'), where the root 'ind-'/ 'indic-' related to 'pointing out' or 'showing'. 'Maker' originates from Old English 'macere'/'macian' meaning 'to make' (via Middle English 'maken').

'index' entered English via Late Latin and Old French (Medieval Latin 'index'), keeping the sense of 'one who points out' or 'sign'. 'maker' developed from Old English 'macian' into Middle English 'maken' and then 'maker' in Modern English. The compound 'index-maker' was formed in Modern English by joining these two existing words.

Initially, 'index' referred to a sign or pointer; over time it came to mean a list or catalogue used to locate information. 'Maker' retained the meaning 'one who makes'. Combined, 'index-maker' now means 'one who makes an index'.