'azlon' originates from English coinage, likely derived from French, specifically the word 'azote', where 'azote' meant 'nitrogen', combined with the suffix '-lon' (as in 'rayon') to indicate a manufactured fiber.

'azlon' was coined in the early 20th century in technical and trade English as a name for fibers made from proteins such as casein and entered modern English usage from industrial terminology.

Initially, it referred primarily to casein-based fibers; over time it broadened to denote regenerated protein fibers in general.