'alcyonarian' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alkyon,' where 'alkyon' meant 'kingfisher,' referring to the bird's association with calm seas.

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

Initially, it referred to the kingfisher bird, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a type of coral.