'Apulian' originates from Latin, specifically the place name 'Apulia' (Latin: 'Apulia'), which denoted the region in southeastern Italy; the adjective-formation '-ian' means 'belonging to' or 'relating to'.

'Apulian' developed via Medieval and Modern Latin forms from Greek and pre-Roman names for the region (Ancient Greek 'Ἰαπυγία' / 'Iapygia'), then through Latin 'Apulia' into English as the adjective 'Apulian'.

Initially the root referred simply to the geographic region (and its ancient peoples); over time the adjective and noun came to mean anything or anyone originating from that region and, in art history, a specific style of pottery associated with the area.