'astrograph' originates from Greek elements used in New Latin/Modern scientific coinage: the prefix 'astr-' from Greek 'astēr' meaning 'star' and the suffix '-graph' from Greek 'graphein' meaning 'to write' or 'to draw'.

'astrograph' was coined in modern scientific English (late 19th to early 20th century) by combining the Greek roots 'astr-' and '-graph' (via New Latin/technical coinage) to name instruments or devices that record or image stars; it entered English as a technical term for a star-photographing telescope.

Initially coined to denote an instrument for recording or drawing stars ('a device that writes/draws stars'), it has come to be used specifically for telescopes designed for astrophotography ('a telescope for taking photographs of celestial objects').