'alopecurus' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alopekouros,' where 'alopex' meant 'fox' and 'oura' meant 'tail.'

'alopekouros' transformed into the Latin word 'alopecurus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alopecurus.'

Initially, it meant 'fox tail,' referring to the shape of the flower spikes, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.