'arctiid' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Arctiidae', where the genus name 'Arctia' ultimately comes from Greek 'arktos' meaning 'bear' (referring to the woolly 'bear' caterpillars).

'Arctiidae' (New Latin family name, based on the genus 'Arctia') entered scientific English usage in the 19th century; the English noun 'arctiid' was formed from that taxonomic name.

Initially used for moths associated with the genus 'Arctia' and then for members of the family 'Arctiidae'; over time, as classifications changed, it has come to refer generally to members of the tiger-moth group (now often treated as subfamily Arctiinae of Erebidae).