'aristolochiaceous' originates from Modern Latin, specifically the botanical family name 'Aristolochiaceae', which in turn comes from the genus name 'Aristolochia' (from Greek 'aristos' meaning 'best' and 'lochia' meaning 'childbirth'), plus the Latin adjectival suffix '-aceous' meaning 'pertaining to'.

'aristolochiaceous' changed from the Modern Latin family name 'Aristolochiaceae' (formed from the genus name 'Aristolochia'), which itself derives from Ancient Greek elements 'aristos' + 'lochia'; the English adjective was formed by adding the Latin-derived suffix '-aceous' to the botanical name.

Initially the Greek elements in 'Aristolochia' suggested 'best for childbirth' (reflecting traditional medicinal uses), but over time the name became a botanical label; 'aristolochiaceous' now simply means 'relating to the plant family Aristolochiaceae'.