'anaplasmosis' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Anaplasma' (the genus name) combined with the suffix '-osis', where 'Anaplasma' is from Greek 'ana-' meaning 'again' or 'up' and 'plasma' meaning 'something molded' or 'formed', and '-osis' denotes a disease or condition.

'Anaplasma' was coined in the early 20th century as a genus name for the bacteria, and 'anaplasmosis' was formed to describe the disease caused by these bacteria.

Initially, it referred specifically to the disease in cattle, but over time it has come to include similar diseases in other animals and humans caused by Anaplasma bacteria.