'benzoic' originates from 'French', specifically the word 'benzoïque', where 'benzo-' referred to 'benzoin' and '-ique' is a suffix meaning 'related to'.

'benzoïque' transformed into the English word 'benzoic' and has been used in scientific contexts since the 18th century.

Initially, it meant 'related to benzoin', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'related to benzoic acid'.