'perfumer' originates from French, specifically the word 'parfumeur' (from the verb 'parfumer'), where 'per-'/'par-' meant 'through' and 'fum(er) / fumum' related to 'smoke' (from Latin).

'perfumer' changed from Latin phrase 'per fumum' ('through smoke') into Old/Middle French 'parfum'/'parfumer', then entered English as 'perfume' and later formed the agent noun 'perfumer'.

Initially associated with scents produced by smoke ('through smoke'), the term evolved to refer to aromatic substances and to people who create or sell those fragrances; the agent form now specifically means a maker or seller of perfume.