'agrotis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'agrotēs,' where 'agro-' meant 'field' and '-tēs' meant 'inhabitant.'

'agrotēs' transformed into the Latin word 'agrotis,' and eventually became the modern scientific term 'agrotis' in English.

Initially, it meant 'field inhabitant,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a genus of moths.