'acanthodea' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'akantha,' where 'akantha' meant 'thorn' or 'spine.'

'Acanthodea' changed from the Greek word 'akanthodes' and eventually became the modern English word 'acanthodea.'

Initially, it referred to 'thorny or spiny creatures,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a group of extinct jawed fishes.'