'northern-dwelling' originates from the combination of 'northern,' meaning 'of or relating to the north,' and 'dwelling,' meaning 'a place of residence.'

'Northern' and 'dwelling' have been used in English since the Middle Ages, with 'northern' deriving from Old English 'norðerne' and 'dwelling' from Old English 'dwellan.'

Initially, 'northern' referred to anything related to the north, and 'dwelling' meant a place of residence. The combination retains these meanings.