'Atalanta' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the word 'Ἀταλάντη (Atalantē)', where the root 'ἀταλός (atalos)' likely meant 'tender, delicate' (though exact origin is uncertain).

'Atalanta' passed into Latin as 'Atalanta' and was borrowed into English from classical and medieval references to the Greek myth, remaining essentially unchanged in form.

Initially, it referred specifically to the mythological figure 'Atalanta'; over time the name has retained that primary sense and has also been used as a modern proper name (for clubs, ships, places) and as a taxonomic epithet.