'anisopod' originates from New Latin 'Anisopoda', ultimately from Ancient Greek, specifically the elements 'anisos' and 'pous', where 'aniso-' meant 'unequal' and 'pous' meant 'foot'.

'anisopod' changed from the scientific New Latin word 'Anisopoda' used in taxonomy; through formation of family names like 'Anisopodidae' the shorter English common name 'anisopod' was adopted for members of that group.

Initially it referred to the taxonomic group literally meaning 'unequal-footed' organisms; over time it came to be used in English for members of the fly family Anisopodidae (small wood/window gnats).