'Umbelliferae' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Umbelliferae', where 'umbella' meant 'little shade' (a diminutive of Latin 'umbra' meaning 'shade') and the element '-fera' (from Latin 'ferre') meant 'bearing'.

'Umbelliferae' changed from Medieval Latin 'umbellifer' (meaning 'bearing umbels') and eventually became the botanical family name 'Umbelliferae' in modern scientific Latin.

Initially, it meant 'bearing umbels' (describing plant morphology), but over time it evolved into its current use referring to the specific plant family (now usually called Apiaceae).