'Euphorbia' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Euphorbos,' where 'eu-' meant 'good' and 'phorbe' meant 'pasture.'

'Euphorbos' was used in Latin as 'Euphorbia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Euphorbia.'

Initially, it referred to a specific plant used for medicinal purposes, but over time it evolved to encompass a large genus of plants.