'anatosaurus' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'anāt' meaning 'duck' and 'sauros' meaning 'lizard', referring to its duck-like beak.

'anatosaurus' was named in the late 19th century based on fossil discoveries in North America, and the name has remained in scientific use, though the genus is now often considered a synonym of 'Edmontosaurus'.

Initially, it referred specifically to a distinct genus of duck-billed dinosaurs, but over time, many paleontologists have reclassified its fossils under the genus 'Edmontosaurus'.