The word 'andreaeaceae' originates from New Latin, specifically from the genus name 'Andreaea' plus the standard suffix '-aceae' used for plant family names.

'Andreaea' was named after J.G.R. Andreae, a German botanist, and the suffix '-aceae' was added to form the family name in botanical Latin.

Initially, it referred specifically to the family of mosses containing the genus 'Andreaea', and this meaning has remained consistent.