'alkanet' originates from Middle English, specifically from the Old French word 'alcana,' which in turn comes from the Arabic word 'al-ḥinnā' meaning 'henna.'

'alcana' transformed into the Middle English word 'alkanet,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alkanet.'

Initially, it referred to the plant used for dyeing, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.