'Betonica' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'betonica', ultimately from Greek 'βετόνικον' ('betonikón'), where the original root is uncertain and may derive from a pre-Greek or Celtic plant-name.

'Betonica' changed from Greek 'βετόνικον' into Latin 'betonica', passed through Medieval Latin usage, and eventually became the modern botanical genus name 'Betonica'.

Initially, it meant 'the betony herb', and over time it evolved into the formal botanical genus name 'Betonica' without a major shift in core meaning.