'bowfin' originates from English, specifically from the words 'bow' and 'fin', referring to the fish's arched (bowed) dorsal fin.

'bowfin' was formed in English by combining 'bow' (referring to the shape) and 'fin' (referring to the fish's fin), and has been used since the 19th century to describe this species.

Initially, it referred specifically to the species Amia calva, and this meaning has remained unchanged.