'aponogeton' originates from New Latin (botanical name), ultimately formed from Greek elements; the exact ancient-Greek source is uncertain, but the name was coined in modern botanical Latin to classify this genus.

'Aponogeton' was established as a New Latin genus name in botanical literature (modern era) and has been used unchanged in scientific taxonomy to refer to the group of aquatic plants now called 'aponogeton'.

The term has been a scientific name since its coinage and has retained its specialized botanical meaning referring to this genus of aquatic plants.