'transgender' originates from the Latin prefix 'trans-' meaning 'across' and the English word 'gender', which refers to the social and cultural roles, behaviors, and attributes that a society considers appropriate for men and women.

'transgender' evolved from the term 'transsexual', which was used in the mid-20th century to describe individuals who sought medical assistance to transition from one gender to another. The term 'transgender' became more widely used in the late 20th century to encompass a broader range of gender identities.

Initially, it referred specifically to individuals undergoing medical transition, but now it includes a wide spectrum of gender identities that do not conform to traditional gender norms.