'olefin' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'oleum,' where 'ole-' meant 'oil' and '-fin' is derived from 'finis,' meaning 'end' or 'boundary.'

'oleum' transformed into the German word 'olefin,' and eventually became the modern English word 'olefin' through scientific nomenclature.

Initially, it referred to 'oil-forming' compounds, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unsaturated hydrocarbons with double bonds.'