'monarchism' originates from Greek (via Late Latin and Old French), specifically from the Greek elements 'monos' and 'arkhos' as part of the word 'monarkhos', combined with the suffix '-ismos' (Greek) which became English '-ism', where 'monos' meant 'single' and 'arkhos' meant 'ruler'.

'monarchism' developed from Late Latin 'monarcha' and Old French 'monarque' into Middle English 'monarch', and the modern formation added the suffix '-ism' (from Greek '-ismos' through Latin/French '-isme') to create 'monarchism' in English.

Initially related to 'rule by a single ruler' or the condition of monarchy, the term later came to denote specifically the doctrine or political principle supporting monarchy ('support for rule by a monarch').