'anoplocephalid' ultimately comes from New Latin (taxonomic formation) based on Greek elements: 'an-' meaning 'without' (ἀν-), 'hoplon' meaning 'weapon' or 'arm' (ὅπλον), and 'kephalē' meaning 'head' (κεφαλή). The name refers to an 'unarmed head' (i.e., a scolex without hooks).

The Greek descriptive elements were combined in New Latin as the genus name 'Anoplocephala' (literally 'unarmed head'); the family name Anoplocephalidae and the derivative noun/adjective 'anoplocephalid' were later formed from that genus name in taxonomic usage.

Originally a descriptive phrase meaning 'unarmed head' (referring to morphology), it has come to be used as a taxonomic name and as a common noun/adjective referring to members or characteristics of the family Anoplocephalidae.