'aluminum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'alumen' (later 'alum'), where 'alumen' meant 'bitter salt' or the compound 'alum'.

'aluminum' was coined in the early 19th century (Sir Humphry Davy suggested forms such as 'alumium' and 'aluminum'); the British form 'aluminium' later became common, while the American form 'aluminum' remained standard in the US. The adjective 'aluminum-plated' is formed by combining this element name with 'plated'.

Initially, related words referred to the substance 'alum' ('bitter salt'); over time the root developed into the chemical element name 'aluminum' and then into compounds and descriptors such as 'aluminum-plated', meaning 'coated with aluminum'.