'atlantoaxial' originates from New Latin, combining the combining form 'atlanto-' (from 'atlas', the name given to the first cervical vertebra) and 'axial' from Latin 'axis' meaning 'axis' or 'axle'.

'atlantoaxial' was formed in medical New Latin by joining the Neo-Latin combining form 'atlanto-' (from Greek/Latin usage referring to the atlas vertebra) and 'axial' (from Latin 'axis'); the hyphenated form 'atlanto-axial' appears in older medical writing and later solidified as 'atlantoaxial'.

Initially it specifically denoted the relationship of the atlas and axis (C1 and C2); it has retained that core meaning while expanding to describe related conditions (e.g., instability, dislocation) and anatomical references (joint, ligament).