'antilocapridae' originates from Modern (New) Latin, specifically from the genus name 'Antilocapra' combined with the family-forming suffix '-idae', where 'Antilocapra' is a compound built from elements meaning roughly 'antelope' (from Greek roots) and 'capra' (Latin, 'goat').

'antilocapridae' was formed in taxonomic usage by attaching the New Latin suffix '-idae' to the genus name 'Antilocapra' (coined in the 19th century); this morphological compound became the standard English family name 'Antilocapridae' in scientific literature.

Initially it meant 'belonging to or descended from the genus Antilocapra' in taxonomic terms; over time it has come to be used in English to refer generally to 'the family of pronghorns.'