'aristotelean' originates from Greek and Latin via the proper name 'Aristotle' (Greek 'Aristotélēs'), where the Greek elements 'aristos' meant 'best' and 'telos' meant 'end' or 'purpose'; the English adjective was formed by adding the adjectival suffix '-ean'/'-ian' to the name.

'aristotelean' developed from the Medieval and Modern Latin forms of the philosopher's name ('Aristoteles') and the adjective 'Aristotelian(us)'/English 'Aristotelian'; over time English accepted variant spellings such as 'Aristotelean' alongside 'Aristotelian'.

Initially it denoted direct reference to the person 'Aristotle' or things pertaining to him; over time it has come to denote more broadly the doctrines, methods, or style associated with Aristotelian philosophy.