'asterophyllites' originates from New Latin, built from Greek roots 'aster-' (meaning 'star') and 'phyllon' (meaning 'leaf'), with the suffix '-ites' often used in mineralogical/paleontological names to denote a fossil or rock.

'asterophyllites' was coined in 19th-century paleobotanical usage as a taxonomic or form‑genus name for fossil horsetail‑like foliage; it combines the Greek elements 'aster' + 'phyllon' with the suffix '-ites' and entered scientific New Latin nomenclature.

Initially the components literally described a 'star‑leaf' (a descriptive phrase for the leaf arrangement or shape); over time the compound became fixed as the name of a fossil genus/form‑genus referring to particular sphenopsid foliage.