'non-aristocratic' originates from the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non'), meaning 'not', and the adjective 'aristocratic' (from 'aristocrat' + suffix '-ic'), where 'aristocrat' ultimately comes from Greek 'aristokratia' ('aristo-' meaning 'best' and '-kratia' meaning 'rule' or 'power').

'aristocratic' developed from Greek 'aristokratia' → Latin/Old French forms (e.g. 'aristocratie') → Middle English 'aristocracie' and later modern English 'aristocratic'. The negative prefix 'non-' was attached in modern English formation to produce 'non-aristocratic'.

Initially, 'aristocratic' related to governance by the 'best' (in Greek 'aristokratia'); over time it came to denote social rank and qualities associated with the aristocracy. 'Non-aristocratic' has consistently meant 'not belonging to or characteristic of the aristocracy.'