'pro-patriarchal' originates from Modern English as a compound combining the prefix 'pro-' and the adjective 'patriarchal'; 'pro-' ultimately comes from Latin 'pro' where 'pro' meant 'for', and 'patriarchal' derives via Latin and Old French from Greek 'patriarchēs' where elements meant 'father' and 'ruler'.

'patriarchal' changed from Greek 'patriarchēs' through Latin 'patriarcha' and Old French forms into Middle English 'patriarch' and later the adjective 'patriarchal'; the modern compound 'pro-patriarchal' formed in Modern English by adding the prefix 'pro-' to that adjective.

Initially, roots conveyed the ideas 'for' (from Latin 'pro') and 'chief father' or 'father-ruler' (from Greek 'patriarchēs'); over time the combined modern term came to mean specifically 'supporting male-dominated social systems' rather than only a literal 'for the father'.