'andropogon' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Andropogon,' which is formed from Greek 'anēr, andros' meaning 'man' and 'pōgōn' meaning 'beard,' referring to the beard-like appearance of the grass.

'Andropogon' was adopted directly from New Latin scientific classification, based on Greek roots, and became the modern English botanical term 'andropogon.'

Initially, it referred specifically to the genus of grasses with beard-like features, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern botanical usage.