'androgen' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'andr-' meaning 'man' and '-gen' meaning 'producing' or 'creating'.

'androgen' was formed in the late 19th century from the Greek roots 'andr-' and '-gen', and became the modern English word 'androgen'.

Initially, it meant 'a substance that produces male characteristics', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.