'Theophany' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'theophaneia,' where 'theo-' meant 'god' and 'phaneia' meant 'appearance.'

'Theophaneia' transformed into the Latin word 'theophania,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Theophany.'

Initially, it meant 'appearance of a god,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.