'amaranthus' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amarantos,' where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'marantos' meant 'fading.'

'amarantos' transformed into the Latin word 'amaranthus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amaranthus.'

Initially, it meant 'unfading,' referring to the plant's long-lasting flowers, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.