'alopias' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alōpēx,' where 'alōpēx' meant 'fox,' possibly referring to the cunning nature of the shark.

'alōpēx' transformed into the Latin word 'alopias,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alopias.'

Initially, it meant 'fox,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a genus of sharks.