'anaspida' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Anaspida,' where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'aspis' meant 'shield.'

'anaspida' was coined in the 19th century to describe a group of prehistoric jawless fish, and the term has remained in scientific use.

Initially, it meant 'without shield,' referring to the lack of bony armor, and now it specifically refers to this extinct group of jawless fish.