'sheriff' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'scīrgerēfa,' where 'scīr' meant 'shire' and 'gerēfa' meant 'reeve.'

'scīrgerēfa' transformed into the Middle English word 'sherreve,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sheriff'.

Initially, it meant 'a royal official in charge of a shire,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an elected county officer.'