Gentius king of Illyria was the first founder of this herbe, and the first that used it in medicine, for which cause it was called Gentian after his own name: in Greek, γεντιανή, which name also the apothecaries retaine unto this daie, and call it Gentiana: it is named in English Felwoort Gentian; Bitterwoort; Baldmoyne, and Baldmoney.
Source: wiktionary