'Alnilam' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'النظام' (an-niẓām), where 'niẓām' meant 'string of pearls'.

'النظام' (an-niẓām) transformed into the modern English word 'Alnilam' through transliteration.

Initially, it meant 'string of pearls', referring to the alignment of stars, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.