'caecilian' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Caecilia', ultimately from Latin 'caecus', where 'caecus' meant 'blind'.

'caecilian' changed from the New Latin genus name 'Caecilia' (coined in scientific Latin usage) and eventually became the modern English word 'caecilian' used for these amphibians.

Initially, it referred to the genus name 'Caecilia'; over time it evolved to denote the broader group of limbless amphibians (the order Gymnophiona).