'mnemonic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'mnēmōn' or the adjective 'mnēmonikos', where the root 'mnē-' meant 'remember'.

'mnēmōn' passed into Late Latin as 'mnemonicus' and medieval Latin/French forms, and eventually entered English as 'mnemonic'.

Initially it meant 'mindful' or 'relating to memory', and over time it retained this sense, coming to be used especially for techniques or devices that aid memory.