'Stachys' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'στάχυς' (stachys), where 'stachys' meant 'ear (of grain) or spike'.

'Stachys' changed from the Ancient Greek word 'stachys' into botanical Latin as 'Stachys' and was adopted by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century as the genus name used in modern taxonomy.

Initially, it meant 'ear of grain' or 'spike' (referring to shape), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a genus of plants with spike-like inflorescences'.