The term hermaphrodite was introduced into the English language in the late fourteenth century, borrowed from the Latin hermaphroditus, which originated from the Ancient Greek hermaphroditos, with the same meaning. Originally a proper noun, it specifically referred to the mythological offspring of Hermes and Aphrodite (hence the name) who merged with a naiad named Salmacis to become a single individual with both male and female characteristics. The etymology of Hermes is unknown and is believed to possibly be non-Indo-European, while Aphrodite may have originated from the Phoenician word Ashtaroth, which could be traced back to Aramaic Ishtar and ultimately Proto-Semitic and Proto-Afro-Asiatic languages. The usage of the term hermaphrodite has remained relatively constant since the early twentieth century.
