'norther' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'north' with the suffix '-er' denoting origin or agency (i.e., 'from the north' or 'one that is northward').

'norther' developed in Middle English from Old English 'norð' (meaning 'north') combined with the agentive/derivational suffix; Middle English forms like 'norther' or 'nordher' were used to mean a north wind and this sense carried into modern English.

Initially it referred generally to 'that which is from the north' or simply 'north'; over time it came to be used specifically for a 'wind from the north,' especially a cold or strong northerly blast.