'allonym' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'allōnymos,' where 'allos' meant 'other' and 'onyma' meant 'name.'

'allōnymos' transformed into the French word 'allonyme,' and eventually became the modern English word 'allonym' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'another's name,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.