Both of these historians study language but one studies a words origin as in where is came from?

The historian who studies the origin of a word is called an etymologist.

Here's a breakdown:

* Etymologist: Studies the history of words, including their origins, evolution, and relationships to other words.

* Linguist: Studies language in a broader sense, including its structure, sound systems, and how it is used in society.

While linguists may touch upon the origins of words, they are more interested in the overall workings of language. Etymologists are focused specifically on tracing the history and development of individual words.