'balaenidae' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Balaenidae', where 'Balaena' meant 'whale'.

'balaenidae' changed from Latin 'Balaena' (from Greek 'phálaina' / φαλαίνα meaning 'whale') and was formed into the modern taxonomic family name 'Balaenidae' in New Latin.

Initially it referred to 'Balaena' or 'whale' in classical usage, but over time it evolved into the scientific name for the family of right and bowhead whales, 'Balaenidae'.