'locomotor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'locomotorius,' where 'loco-' meant 'from a place' and 'motorius' meant 'pertaining to motion.'

'locomotorius' transformed into the French word 'locomoteur,' and eventually became the modern English word 'locomotor' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to motion from a place,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.