'Boreas' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'Βορέας' (Boréas), where it meant 'north wind'.

'Boreas' passed from Ancient Greek 'Βορέας' into Latin as 'Boreas' and then into English through classical and medieval writings, eventually becoming the modern English proper name 'Boreas'.

Initially, it meant 'north wind' and referred also to the deity of that wind; over time the term has remained closely tied to that original meaning but is now chiefly used mythologically or poetically.