'areological' originates from New Latin/Greek, specifically from the combining form 'areo-' derived from the Greek name 'Ares' (Ἄρης), where 'areo-' referred to Ares (the Greek counterpart of Mars) and thus to the planet Mars.

'areological' developed from the noun 'areology' (Neo-Latin/Modern Latin 'areologia', itself from Greek roots) which entered English usage in scientific contexts; the adjective 'areological' was later formed in English from that noun to describe things relating to areology or Mars.

Initially, the elements referred specifically to the Greek god Ares and by extension to Mars; over time the term has come to mean 'relating to the scientific study of Mars' or more broadly 'relating to Mars' in modern usage.