'anthropometry' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'anthrōpos' and 'metron', where 'anthrōpos' meant 'human' and 'metron' meant 'measure'.

'anthropometry' entered English via New Latin (e.g., 'anthropometria'), ultimately from Greek 'anthrōpometría'; the form developed into modern English 'anthropometry'.

Initially, it meant 'measurement of humans', and over time it has retained that core sense while broadening to include compiled data and applied measurement practices.