'litigator' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'litigare,' where the root 'litig-' meant 'to dispute' and the agent suffix '-or' meant 'one who does (an action)'.

'litigator' changed from Medieval Latin and Old French forms of the verb (e.g. Medieval Latin 'litigare') and Middle English forms such as 'litigatour', and eventually became the modern English word 'litigator'.

Initially it meant 'one who disputes or brings a suit', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a lawyer who conducts litigation or represents parties in court'.