'anagogies' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anagōgē', where 'ana-' meant 'up' and 'agōgē' meant 'leading'.

'anagōgē' changed from the Medieval Latin word 'anagogia' and eventually became the modern English word 'anagogy', with 'anagogies' as its plural form.

Initially, it meant 'a spiritual or mystical interpretation', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.