'ballistocardiogram' originates from New Latin/Greek elements: specifically from the combining form 'ballisto-' (ultimately from Greek 'ballein', meaning 'to throw', via the sense 'ballistic') and 'cardiogram' (from Greek 'kardia' meaning 'heart' + Greek suffix '-gram' meaning 'a written or recorded thing').

'ballistocardiogram' was coined in the early 20th century from the related terms 'ballistocardiography' (the technique) and 'ballistocardiograph' (the instrument); these formations combined the Greek-derived elements and gave rise to the modern English noun 'ballistocardiogram'.

Initially it referred specifically to the recorded trace of body motion caused by the heartbeat; over time the term has continued to denote that recorded trace and is also used loosely to refer to the measuring technique or instrument that produces it.