'bugloss' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'bouglōssos,' where 'bous' meant 'ox' and 'glōssa' meant 'tongue.'

'bouglōssos' transformed into the Latin word 'buglossa,' and eventually became the modern English word 'bugloss' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'ox tongue,' referring to the shape of the leaves, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.