'reedmace' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'hreod' meaning 'reed' and 'mæs' meaning 'mace' or 'club'.

'hreodmæs' transformed into the Middle English word 'redemace', and eventually became the modern English word 'reedmace'.

Initially, it referred to a 'reed-like plant with a club-shaped flower', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.