'alcyonoid' 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 'alcyonoid' through scientific classification.

Initially, it referred to the appearance of the coral resembling a kingfisher's nest, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.