'bangiaceous' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Bangiaceus' (adjective form related to 'Bangiaceae'), where 'Bangia' is the genus name used for certain red algae.

'bangiaceous' developed from New Latin 'Bangiaceus' (adjective formed from the family name 'Bangiaceae') and entered scientific English usage via taxonomic and botanical literature in the 19th–20th centuries, becoming the modern English adjective 'bangiaceous'.

Initially it meant 'of or pertaining to Bangia/Bangiaceae' in taxonomic Latin, and over time it has retained this specific biological meaning in modern English usage.