'archerfish' originates from Modern English, specifically a compound of the words 'archer' and 'fish', where 'archer' meant 'one who shoots' (by analogy with a bowman) and 'fish' meant 'fish'.

'archerfish' changed from the earlier two‑word form 'archer fish' (a descriptive name) and eventually became the modern single word 'archerfish'; 'archer' itself comes from Middle English 'archer' (from Old French), ultimately related to Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow'.

Initially, it meant simply 'a fish that shoots (like an archer)'; over time it became the specific name applied to fishes of the genus 'Toxotes' known for shooting water to capture prey.