'corydalis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'korydalis,' where 'korydalos' meant 'crested lark,' referring to the shape of the flower.

'korydalis' was adopted into Latin as 'corydalis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'corydalis.'

Initially, it referred to the shape of the flower resembling a crested lark, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.