'alectoria' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alektōr,' where 'alektōr' meant 'rooster' or 'cock.'

'alektōr' transformed into the Latin word 'alectoria,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alectoria.'

Initially, it referred to a type of lichen resembling a rooster's comb, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a specific genus of lichen.