'alhambraic' originates from the name 'Alhambra', which is derived from the Arabic word 'al-Ḥamrāʾ', meaning 'the red one', referring to the reddish color of the towers and walls.

'Alhambra' was adopted into English from Spanish, which in turn borrowed it from Arabic.

Initially, it referred specifically to the Alhambra palace, but it evolved to describe anything reminiscent of its architectural style.