'patriarch' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'patriarkhēs,' where 'patria' meant 'family' and 'arkhēs' meant 'ruler.'

'patriarkhēs' transformed into the Latin word 'patriarcha,' and eventually became the modern English word 'patriarch' through Old French.

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