'trans-anethole' originates from modern chemical nomenclature, specifically combining the prefix 'trans-' from Latin 'trans' (where 'trans' meant 'across' or 'on the other side') and the word 'anethole' from New Latin/French ultimately related to Greek 'anēthon'.

'anethole' changed from French 'anéthole' and New Latin formations based on the plant name (Latin 'Anethum' from Greek 'anēthon' meaning 'dill' or 'anise'), and the stereochemical prefix 'trans-' (Latin) was later attached in modern organic nomenclature to yield 'trans-anethole'.

Initially, names related to 'anethole' referred broadly to the aromatic substance obtained from anise/dill; over time, the term came to denote the specific chemical compound, and modern usage distinguishes stereoisomers such as 'trans-anethole' (the E isomer).