'ASPCA' originates from English, specifically the phrase 'American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals', where 'American' meant 'of or relating to America', 'Society' meant 'an organized group', and 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' described the organization's purpose.

'ASPCA' arose as an acronym following the founding of the organization in 1866; the full name 'American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' was commonly shortened in speech and writing to the acronym 'ASPCA', which became the established name.

Initially it referred specifically to the full formal name of the organization; over time the acronym 'ASPCA' became the common name for the organization and is sometimes used generically to refer to similar animal-welfare efforts.