'messiah' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'מָשִׁיחַ (māšîaḥ)', where 'māšîaḥ' meant 'anointed one'.

'messiah' changed from the Hebrew word 'māšîaḥ' via Greek 'μεσσίας (messías)' and Late Latin 'messias', and eventually became the modern English word 'messiah'.

Initially, it meant 'anointed one' (a person consecrated by anointing, often a king or priest), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'savior or liberator', especially in religious contexts and metaphorically as a leader expected to save people or causes.