'gynomania' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the elements 'gynē' and 'mania', where 'gynē' meant 'woman' and 'mania' meant 'madness' or 'frenzy'.

'gynomania' was formed from Greek roots (borrowed into New Latin/medical terminology) and entered English usage in the 19th century with little change in form.

Initially it meant 'madness about women' in a literal sense; over time it has come to be used for an excessive or pathological admiration or sexual desire for women.