'server' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'servour', where 'serv-' derived from Old French 'servir' meaning 'to serve' (ultimately from Latin 'servire').

'server' changed from Middle English 'servour' (from Old French 'servir' and Latin 'servire') and eventually became the modern English word 'server' by regular agent-noun formation with '-er'.

Initially it meant 'one who serves' (an attendant or someone in service, historically tied to 'slave'/'servant'), but over time it expanded to include technical senses such as 'a computer that provides services' in modern usage.