'anamnesis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anámnēsis,' where 'ana-' meant 'again' and 'mimnēskein' meant 'to remember.'

'anámnēsis' was adopted into Late Latin as 'anamnesis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'anamnesis.'

Initially, it meant 'remembrance or recollection,' and over time it evolved to include the specific sense of recalling medical history or a liturgical prayer.