It first appeared in 18th-century translations of the Thousand and One Nights from the French, where it had been used owing to its rough similarity in sound and sense and further applies to benevolent intermediary spirits, in contrast to the malevolent spirits called 'demon' and 'heavenly angels', in literature.

Where did genies originate from?

Genies or jinns or djinns are supposed to be magical beings or creatures with free will. They are originally found in ancient myths and legends of the Middle East, especially Arabia.

Is the genie in Aladdin a jinn?

The Genie is a fictional Jinn appearing in Walt Disney Pictures' 31st animated feature film Aladdin (1992). He was voiced by Robin Williams in the first film.