'phylogenetic' originates from Modern Latin/Greek-derived coinage, specifically from Greek roots 'phylē' and 'genetikos', where 'phylē' meant 'tribe, race' and 'genetikos' meant 'relative to birth or origin'.

'phylogenetic' developed via Neo-Latin and scientific usage (19th century) from the Greek-rooted term used in German and English scientific literature (e.g. German 'phylogenetisch'), and became established in English as 'phylogenetic' in biological contexts.

Initially formed from elements meaning 'tribe' + 'origin/birth', the term's usage evolved to mean 'relating to the evolutionary history and relationships among organisms', the sense used today.