'Apodidae' originates from New Latin, formed from Greek 'Apod-' (from ἀπούς, apous) + the family-forming suffix '-idae', where Greek 'apous' meant 'without feet'.

'Apodidae' was coined in scientific (New Latin) usage based on Greek ἀπούς (apous, 'without feet'); it became established as the taxonomic family name for swifts in modern zoological nomenclature.

Initially the root meant 'without feet' (describing the apparent lack of visible feet), but over time it became the formal name for the family of swifts rather than a literal description.