'phlogopite' originates from New Latin (via Modern mineralogical usage), ultimately from Greek 'φλογόπης'/'φλογοπῖτης' (phlogopítēs), where the element 'phlogo-' meant 'flame' (referring to a fiery or bright aspect of color) and the suffix '-ite' meant 'stone' or 'mineral'.

'phlogopítēs' (Greek) was adopted into New Latin/mineralogical nomenclature as 'phlogopites' or 'phlogopite', and through modern scientific usage the form 'phlogopite' became established in English mineralogy.

Initially the name conveyed the idea of a 'flame-colored (or bright) stone'; over time it became the technical name for a specific magnesium-rich mica species (the modern mineralogical meaning).