'scarab' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'scarabaeus', which comes from Greek 'skarabaios' (σκᾰράβαιος) meaning 'scarab (beetle)'.

'scarab' changed from Latin 'scarabaeus' into Old French and Middle English forms (e.g. Old French 'scarabe'), and eventually became the modern English word 'scarab'.

Initially, it meant 'the scarab beetle', but over time it also came to mean 'an amulet or carved ornament in the shape of that beetle', especially in reference to ancient Egyptian artifacts.