'Dysphania' originates from Greek elements, combining the prefix 'dys-' (from Greek δυσ-, meaning 'bad' or 'difficult') and a derivative of 'phainō' (φαινω, meaning 'to show' or 'appear'), used in modern botanical Latin as a genus name.

'Dysphania' was historically treated within the broader genus 'Chenopodium' for many classifications; in modern taxonomy some authors (e.g., Mosyakin & Clemants and others in the 20th–21st century) have reinstated or segregated Dysphania as a distinct genus, leading to its current usage.

Initially formed from Greek elements describing appearance/quality, the term evolved into a formal botanical genus name and is now used primarily to denote that specific group of plants.