'comatulid' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'Comatula', where Latin 'comatus' meant 'long-haired' and the suffix '-id' was used in zoological formation.

'comatulid' changed from the New Latin taxonomic name 'Comatula' (a genus name derived from Latin) and was adapted into English as 'comatulid' to denote members of the order Comatulida or things relating to them.

Initially, it referred to the taxonomic name related to 'Comatula' (with the sense 'long-haired'), but over time it evolved into its current usage meaning 'a feather-star crinoid' or 'relating to such crinoids.'