'Aeschynomene' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aeschynomenē,' where 'aeschyno-' meant 'to be ashamed' and '-mene' referred to 'a plant.'

'Aeschynomenē' transformed into the Latin word 'Aeschynomene,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Aeschynomene.'

Initially, it referred to a plant that 'shrinks or is sensitive,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.