'nonalumni' originates from Latin-derived and New Latin elements, specifically the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non') and 'alumnus' (from Latin 'alumnus'), where 'non-' meant 'not' and 'alumnus' meant 'foster son; pupil.'

'alumnus' was taken from Latin 'alumnus' into English (plural 'alumni'); in later English compounds the negative prefix 'non-' was attached in modern usage to form 'nonalumni' (a formed compound meaning 'not alumni').

Initially, Latin 'alumnus' meant 'foster son' or 'pupil'; over time it came to mean 'a former student or graduate,' and 'nonalumni' developed to mean 'those who are not alumni.'