'arctocephalus' originates from modern (New) Latin used in scientific nomenclature, formed from Ancient Greek 'arktos' (ἄρκτος) meaning 'bear' and 'kephalē' (κεφαλή) meaning 'head'.

'arctocephalus' was created as a taxonomic genus name by combining the Greek elements 'arktos' + 'kephalē' to mean 'bear-headed' and adopted into scientific Latin usage in zoological nomenclature.

Initially a compound meaning 'bear-headed' (literally 'bear head'), it evolved into a technical scientific name referring specifically to a genus of fur seals.