'antheraea' originates from New Latin (scientific Latin), specifically the genus name 'Antheraea', which ultimately derives from Greek roots related to 'anthos' meaning 'flower'.

'antheraea' was formed in scientific (New Latin) usage from Greek elements (via classical/modern taxonomic naming) and was adopted as the zoological genus name 'Antheraea', becoming the modern English scientific name 'antheraea'.

Initially related to the Greek root meaning 'flower' (via 'anthos'), the term has come to denote specifically a taxonomic genus of silk-producing moths rather than anything floral.