'androgynism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'androgynos,' where 'andr-' meant 'man' and 'gynē' meant 'woman.'

'androgynos' changed from the Greek word to the Late Latin 'androgynus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'androgynism.'

Initially, it meant 'having both male and female characteristics,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.