'aplanogamete' originates from New Latin/Ancient Greek, specifically from the New Latin formation 'aplanogameta' composed of Greek prefix 'a-' meaning 'not', Greek 'planos' meaning 'wandering' (i.e. motile), and 'gamete' from Modern Latin 'gameta' ultimately from Greek 'gamētēs' (related to 'gamos', marriage).

'aplanogamete' developed from the New Latin term 'aplanogameta' (formed from Greek elements) and entered English scientific usage in the 19th–20th century to denote non‑motile reproductive cells.

Initially it specifically meant 'not-wandering (non-motile) gamete'; this biological sense has been retained and remains the current meaning.