'aeschynomenous' originates from the Greek word 'aeschynomene,' where 'aeschyno-' meant 'to be ashamed' and '-mene' referred to 'moon' or 'month.'

'aeschynomene' transformed into the Latin word 'aeschynomene,' and eventually became the modern English word 'aeschynomenous.'

Initially, it referred to plants that were sensitive or shy, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.