'anthropomorphism' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anthrōpomorphía' (Greek 'ανθρωπομορφία'), where 'ánthrōpos' meant 'human' and 'morphḗ' meant 'form'.

'anthropomorphism' entered English via Late/Medieval Latin (e.g. 'anthropomorphismus') and New Latin usages, eventually becoming the modern English word 'anthropomorphism'.

Initially, it meant 'human form' or 'having a human form', but over time it evolved to mean 'the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities'.