'anthropo-' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anthrōpos' (ἄνθρωπος), where the whole word meant 'human, man'.

'anthrōpos' passed into Late Latin and Medieval/Neo-Latin scientific coinage and entered English as the combining form 'anthropo-' (seen in words like 'anthropology') in modern scientific vocabulary.

Initially it meant 'human, man' in Ancient Greek, and this core meaning has been retained in English combining forms meaning 'relating to humans'.