'onefold' originates from Old English elements 'ān' meaning 'one' and 'feald' (or 'fold') meaning 'fold' or 'times'.

'onefold' developed through Middle English from combinations like 'onefold' or forms based on Old English 'ānfald' and eventually became the modern English 'onefold'.

Initially it referred literally to 'having one fold' or 'one time/one part'; over time it has come to mean more generally 'single' or 'single in aspect'.