'archetype' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'arkhetupon,' where 'arkhe-' meant 'beginning' and '-tupos' meant 'model or type.'

'arkhetupon' transformed into the Latin word 'archetypum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'archetype' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'original model or pattern,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.