'androphily' originates from Greek/Neo-Latin coinage, specifically the elements 'andr-' from Greek 'anēr' (genitive 'andros') meaning 'man' and Greek 'philia' meaning 'love' or 'affinity'.

'androphily' changed from the medical/academic formation 'androphilia' (New Latin/modern coinage combining 'andro-' + '-philia') and eventually appeared in English as 'androphily' as a variant form.

Initially it meant 'love or affinity for men', and over time it has retained this core meaning as a technical term for attraction to men.