'non-anselmian' originates from modern English composition, specifically the negative prefix 'non-' plus the adjective 'Anselmian', where 'non-' meant 'not' and 'Anselmian' refers to 'of or relating to Anselm (Latinized as "Anselmus")'.

'Anselmian' developed from the proper name 'Anselm' (from Old Germanic/Latin forms such as 'Anselmus') with the adjectival suffix '-ian'; in modern English the prefix 'non-' was attached to produce 'non-Anselmian' (written also as 'non-anselmian') to negate the relation to Anselm's views.

Initially, forms related to 'Anselm' simply indicated connection to the person Anselm; over time compounds like 'non-anselmian' came to function as technical descriptors meaning 'not in accordance with Anselm's doctrines or methods.'