'asterion' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'ἀστερίων' (asteríōn), where 'aster-' meant 'star' and the suffix '-ion' was a diminutive or relational ending.

'asterion' passed into Latin and Medieval Latin usage in forms derived from the Greek 'ἀστερίων' and later entered modern scientific and literary English as 'asterion' for both the anatomical term and the mythological name.

Initially, it meant 'little star' or 'star‑related' in Greek; over time the term was applied figuratively as a proper name in mythology and later used in anatomy for a star‑like junction on the skull.