'memorialize' originates from Late Latin 'memorialis' (from Latin 'memoria' meaning 'memory'), combined with the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (from Greek '-izein' via French '-iser').

'memorialis' in Latin gave rise to Middle English 'memorial' (a thing that preserves memory). The verb 'memorialize' was formed in modern English by adding the suffix '-ize' to that stem, producing the idea 'to make into a memorial' or 'to preserve memory of'.

Initially related to things 'of or relating to memory' (adjective/noun), it evolved into the verb meaning 'to preserve the memory of; to commemorate' and is now commonly used to describe acts that honor or record memory.