'Apterygiformes' originates from New Latin, ultimately from Greek 'apteryx' where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'pteryx' meant 'wing', combined with the Latin suffix '-formes' meaning 'having the form of'.

'Apterygiformes' changed from the Greek word 'apteryx' (used as the genus name 'Apteryx' in New Latin) and later took the order-forming suffix '-formes' in scientific Latin to become the modern taxonomic name 'Apterygiformes'.

Initially it meant 'wingless' (from the Greek roots), but over time it evolved into a formal taxonomic name referring specifically to the order of birds commonly called kiwis.