'mimus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'mimus', where 'mimus' meant 'imitator, actor'.

'mimus' derives ultimately from Greek 'mimos' (μῖμος) meaning 'imitator' or 'actor'; the word passed into Latin as 'mimus' and was later adopted in modern scientific nomenclature as the genus name 'Mimus'.

Initially, it meant 'actor' or 'imitator' in ancient usage, but over time its primary use in English has become as a taxonomic name for a group of mockingbirds.