'tallyer' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'talyer' (from Anglo-Norman/Old French), where the element comes from Old French 'tailler' meaning 'to cut' (referring to making notches on a tally stick).

'tallyer' changed from Anglo-Norman/Old French forms such as 'taillier' and Middle English 'talyer' or 'talier', and eventually became the modern English 'tallyer' (with alternative spelling 'tallier').

Initially, it meant 'one who makes or records notches on a tally stick' (a physical marking), but over time it evolved into the broader current meaning of 'a person or device that counts or records totals'.