'Alternaria' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'alternus,' where 'altern-' meant 'alternating' or 'changing.'

'Alternaria' was derived from the Latin word 'alternus' and was adopted into scientific nomenclature to describe the genus of fungi.

Initially, it referred to the alternating pattern of spore production, but over time it became associated with the genus of fungi known for plant diseases.