'ariocarpus' originates from New Latin, specifically formed from Ancient Greek elements 'arios' + 'karpos', where 'karpos' meant 'fruit' and 'arios' is the first element of uncertain precise sense in Greek (used here as a formative element in the name).

'ariocarpus' was coined as a botanical (New Latin) genus name in modern taxonomy and has been used in that specialized sense since its introduction in the 19th century; it remained unchanged as the scientific name for the genus.

Initially introduced strictly as a formal botanical genus name; over time it has retained that specialized, taxonomic meaning referring to this group of cacti.