'azalea' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'azaleos' (ἀζαλέος), where 'azaleos' meant 'dry'.

'azalea' changed from the French word 'azalée' and the Latinized botanical form 'Azalea', and eventually became the modern English word 'azalea'.

Initially, it meant 'dry' (referring to the plant's preference for well-drained or rocky habitats), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a genus of flowering shrubs cultivated for ornamental flowers'.