'Ipheion' originates from New Latin (botanical Latin), specifically taken from a Greek form 'Ἰφεῖον' (Iphēion); the exact original Greek root meaning is uncertain in classical sources.

'Ipheion' was established as a botanical genus name in modern (19th century) botanical Latin based on the Greek form 'Ἰφεῖον'. Over time the name has been used in botanical literature, while some species have been reclassified into related genera such as 'Tristagma'.

Initially the element comes from a Greek form whose original descriptive sense is unclear; it has since become fixed as the modern scientific name for this group of bulbous plants.