'Elephas' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'elephas' (ελέφας), where 'elephas' meant 'ivory' and by extension 'elephant'.

'Elephas' passed from Ancient Greek 'elephas' into Latin as 'elephas' and was later adopted in New Latin as the scientific genus name 'Elephas'.

Initially it referred to 'ivory' or an 'elephant' in general; over time it became a technical scientific name for a genus of elephants (including the Asian elephant).