'astroglia' originates from Neo-Latin/modern scientific coinage, specifically from Greek elements 'astron' meaning 'star' and 'glia' meaning 'glue' (used for nervous tissue).

'astroglia' was formed in the late 19th century by combining the prefix 'astro-' (from Greek 'astron') with 'glia' (from Greek 'glía', adopted into Latin/Neo-Latin in scientific usage); the term entered English scientific vocabulary as a designation for star-shaped glial cells related to terms like 'neuroglia' and 'astrocyte'.

Initially, 'glia' emphasized a 'glue-like' tissue holding neurons together; over time 'astroglia' came to denote specifically the star-shaped glial cells (astrocytes) and their functions in support and homeostasis.