'alopiidae' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'alōpēx,' meaning 'fox,' due to the fox-like appearance of the sharks' tails.

'alōpēx' transformed into the Latin word 'alopias,' and eventually became the modern scientific term 'alopiidae.'

Initially, it referred to the fox-like appearance, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a family of sharks.