'alternanthera' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'alternans,' where 'alternus' meant 'alternating' and 'anthera' referred to 'anther,' indicating the alternating anthers of the flowers.

'alternans' transformed into the New Latin word 'alternanthera,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alternanthera.'

Initially, it referred to the alternating anthers of the flowers, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.