'thriftiness' originates from English, formed from the noun 'thrift' + the suffix '-iness' (denoting a state or quality). 'Thrift' itself comes from Old Norse 'þrift' meaning 'prosperity' or 'success'.

'thrift' passed into Middle English as 'thrift' (with senses of 'prosperity' and later 'economy, frugality'), and the modern noun 'thriftiness' developed by adding the adjectival/nominal suffix '-y'/'-iness' to express the quality of being thrifty.

Initially, 'thrift' often meant 'prosperity' or 'success' in Old Norse and early English; over time the sense shifted toward 'careful management of resources' and 'frugality', which is the basis of the modern meaning of 'thriftiness'.