'aristocracy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aristokratia,' where 'aristos' meant 'best' and 'kratos' meant 'power.'

'aristokratia' transformed into the Latin word 'aristocratia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'aristocracy' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'rule by the best,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a privileged class or government by such a class.'