'alcyonaria' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alkyon,' where 'alkyon' meant 'kingfisher,' referring to the bright colors of these corals.

'alkyon' transformed into the Latin word 'alcyon,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alcyonaria' through scientific classification.

Initially, it referred to the bright colors of kingfishers, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a subclass of Anthozoa.