'angora' originates from the toponym 'Angora' (modern 'Ankara' in Turkey), ultimately from Turkish 'Ankara', which traces back to Byzantine Greek 'Ankȳra' from Ancient Greek 'ankȳra' meaning 'anchor'.

'angora' was adopted in European languages via references to animals and textiles associated with 'Angora'; it entered English through Middle French and Italian usage and became the modern English word 'angora'.

Initially, it meant 'of or from Angora (Ankara),' then came to denote long-haired breeds (goat, rabbit, cat) from that region and, by extension, the soft hair and textiles made from them.