'blowfly' originates from English, specifically the compound 'blow' + 'fly', where 'blow' referred historically to a swelling, blister, or spot on decaying flesh and 'fly' meant the insect.

'blowfly' was formed as a compound in English (late 18th century) from the words 'blow' and 'fly' and developed into the modern single-word form 'blowfly'.

Initially used for flies found on or associated with 'blown' (swollen/decaying) flesh, the term has come to denote specifically flies of the family Calliphoridae, often metallic in color.