'alfalfa' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'al-fisfisa', where 'al-' meant 'the' and 'fisfisa' meant 'fresh fodder'.

'al-fisfisa' transformed into the Spanish word 'alfalfa', and eventually became the modern English word 'alfalfa'.

Initially, it meant 'fresh fodder', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a plant used for animal feed'.