'aphaniptera' originates from New Latin, ultimately from Greek 'aphanēs' meaning 'invisible' (ἀφανής) and 'pteron' meaning 'wing' (πτερόν).

'aphaniptera' was used in older entomological classifications as a name for wingless, hard-to-see insects (fleas) and was later superseded in modern taxonomy by the name 'Siphonaptera'.

Initially it literally meant 'invisible-winged' (referring to wingless insects); over time the term became obsolete and its taxonomic role was taken over by 'Siphonaptera'.