'alcyonium' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alkyonion,' where 'alkyon' meant 'kingfisher,' referring to the bird's nest-like appearance of the coral.

'alkyonion' transformed into the Latin word 'alcyonium,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alcyonium.'

Initially, it referred to the coral's resemblance to a kingfisher's nest, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a specific genus of soft corals.