'allophyle' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'allophylos,' where 'allo-' meant 'other' and 'phylos' meant 'tribe or race.'

'allophylos' transformed into the Latin word 'allophylus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'allophyle.'

Initially, it meant 'belonging to another tribe or race,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.