'argyranthemous' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Argyranthemum', where the prefix 'argyr-' meant 'silver' and 'anthemum' (from Greek 'anthēmon') meant 'flower'.

'argyranthemous' was formed in English by adding the adjectival suffix '-ous' to the botanical genus name 'Argyranthemum' (coined in modern botanical Latin from Greek elements), yielding the adjective meaning 'of or like Argyranthemum'.

Initially tied closely to the botanical name and used to describe plants of that genus, over time it has been used adjectivally more generally to mean 'relating to or resembling Argyranthemum' (including appearance such as silvery foliage or daisy-like flowers).