'ecocentric' originates from Greek via modern combining forms: the prefix 'eco-' from Greek 'oikos' meaning 'house' or 'environment', combined with the suffix '-centric' from Greek 'kentron' meaning 'center'.

'ecocentric' was formed in modern English by combining the productive prefix 'eco-' (from Greek 'oikos' through New Latin/modern scientific use) with the adjective-forming element '-centric' (ultimately from Greek 'kentron' via Latin/Old French and Middle English 'centre'). The modern compound arose in the mid-20th century in ecological and philosophical contexts.

Initially the Greek root 'oikos' referred to 'house' or 'household', but through modern scientific and environmental usage 'eco-' came to signify 'environment' or 'ecosystem'; consequently, 'ecocentric' evolved to mean 'centered on the ecosystem or ecological values' rather than anything relating to a household.