'chamomile' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'khamaimēlon', where 'khamai' meant 'on the ground' and 'mēlon' meant 'apple'.

'chamomile' passed into Latin as 'chamaemelum', then into Old French as 'camomille', and eventually became the modern English word 'chamomile' in Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'ground apple' (referring to the plant's apple-like scent), but over time it evolved into its current meaning referring to the plant and the herbal infusion made from its flowers.