'humanocentrism' originates from modern English coinage, combining Latin 'humanus' (meaning 'human') with Greek 'kentron' (meaning 'center') plus the suffix '-ism' (denoting a doctrine or belief).

'humanocentrism' was formed in English by analogy with 'anthropocentrism' (from Greek 'anthropos' 'human' + 'kentron' 'center'); the specific formation using Latin-root 'human-' is a more recent, descriptive variant used in environmental and ethical discourse.

Initially used interchangeably with 'anthropocentrism' to indicate human-centered views; over time it has remained largely synonymous but has been used increasingly in critiques of policies and ethics that place human interests above ecological or nonhuman concerns.