'loner' originates from the word 'lone,' which comes from the Middle English word 'lonely,' derived from the Old English 'lāna,' meaning 'solitary.'

'lonely' transformed into the modern English word 'lone,' and eventually became 'loner' to describe a person who is solitary.

Initially, it meant 'solitary,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who prefers not to associate with others.'