'zoophilia' originates from Greek elements, specifically 'zōion' and 'philia', where 'zōion' meant 'animal' and 'philia' meant 'love' or 'friendship'.

'zoophilia' was formed in New Latin/medical usage from Greek roots and entered English in the modern period as a clinical term; it derives from Greek compounds rather than evolving through a distinct medieval English form.

Initially formed from roots meaning 'love of animals', the term's modern usage has specialized to denote a sexual attraction to animals (a paraphilia), differing from non-sexual affection.