'astylosternus' originates from New Latin used in biological taxonomy, formed from Greek elements: 'a-' (without), 'stylos' (pillar, style) and 'sternon' (breast, breastbone).

'astylosternus' was coined as a scientific genus name in New Latin for classifying certain African frogs and has been used in taxonomic literature since its original description in the 19th century.

Originally a compound of Greek roots describing anatomical features ('without a stylus/pillar' + 'sternum'), it has evolved into a fixed scientific name referring to a genus of frogs rather than a literal descriptive phrase.