'life-giver' originates from English, specifically the compound of 'life' + 'giver', where 'life' comes from Old English 'līf' meaning 'life' and 'giver' is formed from the verb 'give' + the agentive suffix '-er' meaning 'one who gives'.

'life' descends from Old English 'līf' (via Middle English 'lif'), while 'give' comes from Old English 'giefan/gifan'; the agent noun 'giver' developed through Middle English, and the compound 'life-giver' appears in Modern English as a straightforward combination of these elements.

Initially it meant 'one who imparts life' (often in a literal or mythic sense); over time the term has broadened to include anything that provides, sustains, or restores life, energy, or vitality.