Early 18th century; earliest use found in William Stukeley (1687–1765), antiquary and natural philosopher. From post-classical Latin pentalpha five-pointed star, pentagram from medieval Greek (or earlier) πένταλϕα from ancient Greek πεντα- + ἄλϕα; so named from its presenting the form of an A in five different positions. Compare French pentalpha, German Pentalpha.