'vampire' originates from French, specifically the word 'vampyre,' which was derived from the German 'Vampir,' and ultimately from the Slavic 'vampir,' where it referred to a mythical creature that drinks blood.

'vampir' transformed into the German word 'Vampir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'vampire' through French influence.

Initially, it meant 'a mythical creature that drinks blood,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.