'anomodontian' originates from New Latin (taxonomic usage), ultimately from Greek components: 'anomo-' (from Greek 'anomos' meaning 'irregular' or 'uneven') and '-odont' (from Greek 'odṓn/odont-' meaning 'tooth').

'anomodontian' derives from the New Latin taxonomic name 'Anomodontia' coined in 19th-century paleontology; the New Latin term itself was formed from Greek roots and was adopted into English scientific usage as 'anomodontian(s)'.

Initially the Greek roots described 'irregular' or 'uneven teeth'; over time the compound became a formal taxonomic name referring to the clade Anomodontia and thus to members of that group rather than a literal description of tooth shape.