'non-animacy' originates from Latin-derived elements: the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non', meaning 'not') combined with 'animacy', which derives from Latin 'anima'/'animus', meaning 'breath', 'soul', or 'mind'.

'animacy' developed in English from the adjective 'animate' (from Latin 'animatus', past participle of 'animare' 'to give life'), with the noun-forming suffix '-cy' producing 'animacy'; the negative prefix 'non-' was later attached in modern English usage to form 'non-animacy'.

Originally roots like 'anima' referred to 'breath' or 'soul' (the principle of life); over time these roots produced words related to 'being alive' or 'having life', and 'non-animacy' now specifically denotes the absence of those qualities.