'philanthropist' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'philanthrōpos', where 'philo-' meant 'loving' and 'ánthrōpos' meant 'human'.

'philanthropist' entered English via Late Latin and French (e.g. 'philanthropus', 'philanthropie') and eventually became the modern English word 'philanthropist' in the 17th–18th centuries.

Initially, it meant 'lover of humanity', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes.'