'kangaroo' originates from the Guugu Yimithirr language, specifically the word 'gangurru', referring to a species of kangaroo.

'gangurru' was adopted into English as 'kangaroo' after Captain James Cook's expedition to Australia in the 18th century.

Initially, it referred to a specific species of kangaroo, but now it encompasses all species within the family Macropodidae.