'aviculturist' originates from the English word 'aviculture' (built from Latin 'avis' meaning 'bird' + Latin 'cultura' meaning 'cultivation'), with the agent suffix '-ist' meaning 'one who practices or is concerned with'.

'aviculturist' was formed in English by adding the suffix '-ist' to 'aviculture' (a formation influenced by New Latin/French 'aviculture'); 'aviculture' itself derives from Latin 'avis' ('bird') + 'cultura' ('cultivation'), and entered English usage in the 19th century before producing the agent noun 'aviculturist'.

Initially related to the idea of 'bird cultivation' or 'the keeping and breeding of birds'; over time it has come to denote specifically 'a person who breeds, keeps, or studies birds (often professionally or as a serious avocation)'.