'methyl' originates from the Greek word 'methy,' meaning 'wine,' combined with the suffix '-yl,' used in chemistry to denote a radical or group.

'methy' transformed into the French word 'méthyle,' and eventually became the modern English word 'methyl' through scientific nomenclature.

Initially, it referred to a component of wine, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a chemical group in organic chemistry.