The term atheist (from Fr. athée), in the sense of "one who denies or disbelieves the existence of God", predates atheism in English, being first attested in about 1571.
Termin atheist (ateist) tähenduses „see, kes eitab Jumalat või kahtleb Jumala olemasolus“ mainiti esmakordselt 1571. aastal.