'aracari' originates from Portuguese, specifically the word 'araçari', which in turn comes from a Tupi word (recorded as 'arassari') meaning 'small bird'.

'aracari' passed into scientific and popular English in the 19th century from Portuguese 'araçari' (borrowed from Tupi 'arassari'), eventually stabilizing in English as 'aracari'.

Initially used as a local Tupi/Portuguese name for certain small, brightly colored birds, it came to be used in English as the common name for several species of small toucans.