'anseriformes' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Anseriformes', where 'anser' (from Latin) meant 'goose' and '-formēs' (from Latin '-formis') meant 'having the form of'.

'anseriformes' developed from Latin roots: Latin 'anser' (goose) + Latin 'formis' (having the form of) formed the New Latin taxonomic name 'Anseriformes', which entered modern scientific usage as the order name 'anseriformes'.

Initially, the components meant 'goose-shaped' or 'having the form of a goose'; over time the compound became the formal scientific name for the order of waterfowl now defined as 'the order including ducks, geese, and swans'.