'aorta' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀορτή' (aortē), where the root meant 'a lifting' or related to 'lifting/raising'.

'aorta' passed into Latin as 'aorta' and Medieval Latin retained the form; it entered English from Latin/Medieval Latin as the modern word 'aorta' (plural 'aortas').

Initially associated with the idea of 'a lifting' or a 'rope' in Greek usage, its meaning narrowed over time to denote the 'principal artery' in anatomy.