'mandragora' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'mandragora', which in turn comes from Greek 'μανδραγόρας' (mandragoras); its further origin is uncertain.

'mandragora' was borrowed into Latin from Greek 'μανδραγόρας' and later entered English from Medieval Latin and Old French forms, eventually appearing in Modern English as 'mandragora'.

Initially it referred specifically to the plant called 'mandragora' (mandrake); over time the word kept its botanical sense while also acquiring folkloric and figurative meanings related to magic and humanlike roots.