'Anodonta' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'anodōntos', where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'odous' (odont-) meant 'tooth'.

'Anodonta' changed from the Ancient Greek adjective 'anodōntos' ('toothless') into a Latinized scientific name used in taxonomy and became the modern genus name 'Anodonta'.

Initially, it meant 'toothless' in a literal sense, but over time it became the formal name for a genus of freshwater mussels noted for lacking hinge teeth.