'oestradiol' originates from New Latin, formed from the combining form 'oestra-' (from Greek 'oistros' meaning 'frenzy' or 'sexual passion', source of English 'estrus') plus the chemical suffix '-diol' meaning 'two hydroxyl groups'.

'oestradiol' was coined in the early 20th century after the isolation and identification of the hormone; the spelling 'estradiol' (dropping the initial 'o') also came into common use, especially in American English.

Initially named for its association with estrus and sexual activity, the term came to denote the specific chemical compound 17β-estradiol and its pharmaceutical preparations.