'aeolid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'Aiolis,' referring to the Aeolian Islands, where these creatures were first studied.

'Aiolis' transformed into the Latin word 'Aeolis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'aeolid.'

Initially, it referred to creatures from the Aeolian Islands, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a specific type of sea slug.