'Asimina' originates from an Algonquian language, specifically the word 'azimina' (or similar regional forms), where it meant 'pawpaw' (the native North American fruit/tree).

'Asimina' was adopted into botanical/Latin usage by early naturalists and taxonomists, adapted from the indigenous term 'azimina', and established as the scientific genus name 'Asimina'.

Initially it referred to the local/common name for the pawpaw fruit/tree; over time it became the formal botanical genus name for that group of plants.