'atriplex' originates from New Latin (botanical), specifically the Latin word 'atriplex', which itself reflects the Ancient Greek name 'atríplex' (ἀτρίπλεξ) used for a kind of orache or saltbush.

'atriplex' was used in Medieval and New Latin as a plant name and later became the formal botanical genus name 'Atriplex' in modern taxonomy.

Initially it referred to a common name for certain edible orache plants; over time it evolved into the scientific genus name for a group of salt-tolerant shrubs and herbs.