'matchmaker' originates from English, formed as a compound of 'match' + 'maker', where 'match' in this sense meant 'one who matches or pairs' and 'maker' meant 'one who makes or causes'.

'match' (in the sense of pairing or mating) goes back to Old English (related forms like 'mæcca'/'gemæcca' meaning 'mate' or 'match'), while 'maker' comes from Old English 'macere' meaning 'someone who makes'; the compound 'matchmaker' developed in Modern English to denote someone who pairs people.

Initially it specifically meant 'one who brings couples together for marriage'; over time the sense has largely remained but expanded metaphorically to include anyone or any service that pairs people or parties for various purposes (business, jobs, etc.).